Beauty of Onam

 Celebrating Prosperity and New Beginnings

Onam is one of the most grand and widely celebrated festivals, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many. The significance of Onam is deeply tied to its cultural and historical roots, making it much more than just a festive occasion. This annual festival, rich in tradition, culture, and history, spans over ten days of joyful activities and is deeply connected to the harvest season. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate prosperity, good fortune, and the mythological return of a beloved king. Whether through food, dance, or traditional attire, Onam is a festival that weaves the past and present, making it significant in today’s world.

Onam: What it is and Where it is Celebrated

Onam is primarily a harvest festival celebrated with great fervour in Kerala. The festival marks the return of King Mahabali, and its timing is closely linked to Kerala’s agricultural cycle. It signifies the end of the monsoon and the arrival of the harvest season, making it a time of joy and prosperity.

Although the festival has its roots in Kerala, it has spread far beyond the state’s borders. Malayali communities in different parts of the world, especially in countries like the UAE, UK, and the United States, also celebrate Onam with equal passion. For those living outside of Kerala, Onam is a reminder of their cultural heritage, with celebrations including all the traditional elements such as feasts, Pookalam (floral decorations), and performances.

In Kerala, Onam celebrations are widespread and take place in homes, temples, and public spaces. The entire region is decorated with lights and flowers, and many villages and towns host cultural events that showcase Kerala’s unique art forms, dances, and rituals. Onam’s wide reach across the globe is a reflection of its significance in maintaining cultural ties no matter where people live.

This blog will explore the history of Onam, its cultural importance, key celebrations, and the traditional Onam jewellery sets and attire that make the festival even more special.

The History of Onam: The Legend of King Mahabali

Mahabali, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, was the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Hiranyakashipu. Known for his wisdom and generosity, Mahabali ruled over a prosperous kingdom where his people lived in peace and equality. His reign was often referred to as the golden age due to the widespread prosperity and fairness he brought to his kingdom.

To strengthen his rule, Mahabali began performing Ashwamedha Yagnas, powerful rituals that solidified a king’s authority. According to the Vedic tradition, the completion of 100 such yagnas would grant the performer enough power to challenge Lord Indra, the king of the gods. Mahabali had successfully performed 99 yagnas and was on the verge of performing his final, 100th yagna. This achievement would have enabled him to ascend to a status equal to or surpassing Lord Indra. Fearing Mahabali’s rising influence and the potential challenge to his throne, Lord Indra, along with other gods, sought help from Lord Vishnu. 

Vishnu, knowing the need to maintain cosmic balance, agreed to intervene. However, instead of confronting Mahabali directly, Vishnu chose a more subtle approach. He descended to earth in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and appeared at Mahabali’s yagna. When the king generously asked Vamana what he desired, the Brahmin requested a seemingly small amount – just enough land that his three steps could cover.

Mahabali, known for his generosity, immediately agreed. What happened next was extraordinary. Vamana grew to an immense size, with his first step covering the entire earth and his second covering the heavens. With nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali humbly offered his own head. Moved by the king’s humility and devotion, Vishnu blessed Mahabali, allowing him to return to his kingdom once a year, a return that is celebrated annually during the festival of Onam.

Then Why Was Mahabali Considered A “Bad Guy” If He Was A Benevolent And Righteous King?

Mahabali’s Power Becomes a Concern for the Gods: Despite his righteousness, Mahabali’s rise in power made him a figure of concern for the gods, particularly Indra. Mahabali’s actions, although not malevolent, placed him in a position where he could potentially challenge the cosmic balance. His increasing power through the Ashwamedha Yagnas was seen as a threat to Indra’s rule, as performing 100 yagnas would give him the power to replace Indra as the king of the gods.

The Real Concern: Mahabali’s Asura Lineage: Mahabali wasn’t considered a “bad guy” in the traditional sense. The reasons behind the intervention of the gods lie not in his personal flaws but in the balance of power between the Asuras (demons) and Devas (gods). Although he was a just and benevolent ruler, his Asura lineage and growing influence unsettled the Devas. They viewed his potential to overthrow Indra as a disruption of the established cosmic order, where the Devas traditionally held power over the heavens.

Lord Vishnu’s Role: A Test of Humility, Not Punishment: Lord Vishnu’s intervention was not meant to punish Mahabali for any wrongdoing. In fact, Vishnu’s approach was peaceful and aimed at maintaining balance in the universe. Mahabali’s goodness was never questioned; instead, the gods’ concern stemmed from the consequences of his growing power. By taking on the form of Vamana and asking for the symbolic three steps of land, Vishnu tested Mahabali’s humility, which the king passed by surrendering himself.

Mahabali’s Legacy: A Righteous King Remembered: Therefore, Mahabali wasn’t considered a “bad guy.” He was a righteous king whose ambitions unintentionally threatened the cosmic balance. His willingness to sacrifice everything in the face of Vishnu’s request solidified his legacy as a humble and generous ruler, and his annual return is celebrated with reverence during Onam.

How to celebrate Onam?

This occasion is admired by all the Malayales across the world, many activities are performed during this period like boat races, rangoli making, dance in various forms, feasting while wearing traditional outfits, etc. Both men and women equally participate in all the activities, men perform the Pulikali art whilst women draw floral patterns and designs called Pookkalam. In particular, offering sadhya feast and exchanging gifts with each other is a generous way to mark the occasion.

What is Onam Sadhya?

The Onam Sadhya is a grand feast of these festivities which is also a quintessential part of it. Basically, the Onam Sadhya consists of over two dozen vegetarian dishes and served on a banana plant leaf. Every person either attends one onam sadhya or makes one with seasonal vegetables like ash gourd, bottle gourd, yam and other. This indispensable part of onam sadhya includes dishes like, papad or popaddum, pickles, avail, olan, kaalan, dal topped with clarified butter, coconut chutney, banana chips, payasam, rasam, upperi, mango curry with rice and many more, these are some of the most commonly eaten dishes on onam.

Cultural Significance of Onam

This festival connects people with their culture and traditions followed by their ancestors. Every person welcomes each other for a feast and celebrations.  This encourages their mutual bond and societal gatherings. During Onam many parades are held showcasing the Kerala culture with floats and tableaux. People pray, do shopping and spend their time with friends and family. This festival is a great way to connect the masses with their loved ones and build social harmony.