Onam

Onam, the national festival of Keralites is celebrated by Malayalees all over the world. Onam gives us the message of unity as we celebrate the arrival of demon king Mahabali. Also, it is the festival of harvest. Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, usually in August or September month. It is a ten-day-long festival.

Malayalees from all over the world celebrate this festival irrespective of caste or creed. Although there are many legends and historical records about Onam, Onam is ultimately considered to be a harvest or trade festival. Experts believe that Onam in Kerala originated from Tamil Nadu. Until A.D. 8, the Dravidian land was similar in many respects. The festival started as a symbol of remembrance. It is a commemoration of Mahabali.

Onam celebrations, which begin from Atham Nakshatra in the month of Chingam, are celebrated in Thiruvonam and lasts till Chatayam. The belief of Onathappan originates at Thrikkakara. But instead of Mahabali, Vamana is worshiped there. Perhaps Vamana won over Mahabali at Thrikkakara.

There is a popular story that Vamana trampled Mahabali into the abyss. But nowhere does it tell a story of being trampled. The story of Bali (Mahabali) is told in the Bhagavata Purana. According to legends, Onam was celebrated by Keralites in Kerala and other parts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, long before that. The first references to Onam are found in the Sangamakala work 'Madhuraikanchi'. According to Madurai Kanchi, Onam is celebrated as the birthday of Thirumal (Lord Vishnu) from 590 onwards. Later it became agricultural and commercial. 

In the past, foreign ships used to come closer to the spice trade in Kerala during this period, when the month of Karkataka was in full swing. That is why this golden month is called the Golden Chingam and Onam is called the celebration of prosperity. 

Onam - Legends

Onam is a festival with multiple legends. The main legend is that of Mahabali. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, chapters eighteen to twenty - three of the Ashtamaskandam refer to Vamana, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Emperor Mahabali. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada, the demon king, and devotee of Vishnu. 

Mahabali means 'one who has made great sacrifices. The reign of Mahabali (Maveli) was enviable even to the gods. At that time, all human beings were the same, that is they believed in equality for all. There were no lies, deceptions, or slander. Abundance was everywhere and for everyone. The gods then felt jealous of Mahabali 's wealth and they sought the help of Lord Vishnu.

Realizing the deception, the demon guru allowed Vamana to measure three feet of land from Mahabali without forbidding Sukracharya. Vamana then had grown to the heights of the sky and measured his feet. Vamana measured heaven, earth and hell were in the first two steps. When there was no land for the third blow, Mahabali showed his head. Vamana freed Mahabali from pride by the touch of his feet and lifted him to Sutali. Vamana allowed Mahabali to visit his subjects once a year, on the tenth day of Onam, that is Thiruvonam in Chingam. So it is believed that Maveli or Mahabali visits his subjects every year on Thiruvonam day.

Celebration

Floral arrangement (Onampookkalam) on the floor or ground is one of the important rituals of Onam. Preparations undergo from the very beginning to receive Mahabali coming on the day of Thiruvonam. 

It is said that'Atham Pattonam', which means the tenth day of Onam called Thiruvonam. The flower bed is prepared from the first day of which is called ‘Atham’.

Thiruvonam Day Ceremonies

Onam is a festival of local differences. Usually, on Thiruvonam day, people bathe, dress up and sit on a board in front of the Onampookkalam. In front of the image of Onathappan(Idol made of clay), flowers are laid and flowers are offered. This is an unavoidable event on Onam. Like other Hindu poojas, Darbha grass is spread on a pillow, and Thrikkakarayappan is imagined to be seated and people offer prayer to him.

Welcoming Mahabali at the Thrikkakara Temple is very important during the Thiruvonam ceremonies. Legend says that 'Thrikkalkara' originated in the sense of the land where Vamana's footsteps landed. Thrikkakara is the only temple in ancient Kerala dedicated to the Vamana. Vamana is worshiped here.

The ceremony of buying new clothes for children and adults on the occasion of Onam is seen all over Kerala. Kodi Mundu is the name given to a small piece of cloth bought for children to wear. It is usually solitary in the handloom with golden silk borders.

Uthradapachil

Uthradapachil is the journey of the Malayalees to buy the necessary items for the next day's Onam celebrations (the day before Thiruvonam) to prepare for the final round of Onam celebrations. Utrada Day is the day when people buy everything they need for Onam. The purpose of Uthradapachil is to bring everything you need for Onam to the kitchen and beyond.

Sadya

The main attraction of Onam is the Onam feast or sadya. It is said that 'Onam should be known'. In ancient times, Onam was an opportunity for the common people to add pappadam and pickles once a year. Erisseri, Kalan, and Olan are the main dishes of Onasadya. Avial and Sampar came later. 

The four groups of curry dishes include; mango, lemon, lemongrass, and ginger curd. The pappadam will be medium. There are four types of pickles and other dishes are Chena(Yam), Beans, Pavelka, and Jaggery. Apart from this, the fruit, cheese, and Prathama are also special. Onam should be on the tongue too.

Onam is a time when a lot of flowers and songs are presented to Malayalam. These have been sung from time to time and are being passed down orally from generation to generation. They are very interesting and fill nostalgic memories in the mind.

In connection with the Onam festival, there are many sayings in Kerala. These sayings in Malayalam, such as "Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam", which means one should celebrate Onam without any excuses within the limitations. Such sayings are part of the daily life of a Malayalee and are indicative of the importance of Onam.

Onam is the celebration beyond our limitations as it is the celebration of harvest; it is called the festival of prosperity and blessings. 

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