Happy Onam..😃😄😆 


Onam is a significant and widely celebrated festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. Onam typically falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which corresponds to the months of August or September in the Gregorian calendar. The festival lasts for ten days, with the main celebrations occurring on Thiruvonam day, which is the final day of the festival.

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with the Onam festival:

Legend of King Mahabali: The festival is rooted in the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent and generous ruler who was loved by his subjects. It is believed that during his reign, Kerala prospered and there was no poverty or suffering in the land. However, his growing popularity and power became a concern to the gods, particularly Lord Vishnu. So, Lord Vishnu took on the disguise of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana, and asked for three paces of land. King Mahabali agreed, and Vamana grew in size to cover the earth and the heavens in three steps. The king offered his head for the third step, and as a result, he was sent to the netherworld. However, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that he could visit his people once a year, which is celebrated as Onam.

Pookalam: One of the most distinctive features of Onam is the creation of elaborate flower carpets called "Pookalam" in front of homes. These intricate designs are made using various colorful flower petals, and they symbolize a welcoming gesture for King Mahabali.

Onam Sadya: A grand and elaborate feast called the "Onam Sadya" is prepared and served on banana leaves. It typically consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, including rice, sambar, aviyal, olan, thoran, payasam, and many more. The Sadya is an integral part of the festival and is meant to be a sumptuous and inclusive meal.

Vallam Kali (Boat Race): Traditional snake boat races, known as Vallam Kali, are organized during the Onam season in various parts of Kerala. These races involve long, narrow boats with dozens of rowers, and they are a spectacular display of skill and coordination.

Traditional Attire: People dress in traditional Kerala attire during Onam. Men wear white mundu and a shirt, while women wear white sarees with golden borders called "kasavu sarees."

Cultural Performances: Various cultural events and performances, including dance forms like Kathakali and Theyyam, music, and traditional games, are organized during Onam to showcase Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

Shopping and Decorations: In the lead-up to Onam, people go shopping for new clothes and decorative items for their homes. The markets are filled with vibrant flowers, traditional lamps (diyas), and other festive items.

Onathappan: Families create small shrines or idols of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, known as "Onathappan," which are placed in the Pookalam.

Processions: Colorful processions featuring folk art forms and traditional music are organized in different parts of Kerala during Onam.

Onam is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural expression for the people of Kerala. It is not only celebrated by the Hindu community but is also a secular festival that brings people of all backgrounds together to celebrate the spirit of Kerala and its rich cultural traditions.