The important harvest festival of Onam is a big celebration of Keralites all over the world. This holiday represents universal peace and harmony among all people. Despite being a Hindu holiday, people of many faiths observe Onam.
The Onam Festival serves as a reminder for all people to care for and support one another. Malayalees all across the world celebrate this international holiday.
Many other cultural and physical rites and activities take place throughout a ten-day celebration. Additionally, it fosters a pleasant atmosphere among everyone. Even though Kerala is experiencing significant festivities, this day unites all Malayalees.
Onam is a big celebration of Keralites
The most notable Onam celebrations include the intricately crafted Pookalam, fragrant Onasadya, stunning Snake-boat race, and alluring Kaikottikali Dance.
The most significant day of Onam, which lasts for ten days, is Thiruvonam
Onam is a harvest festival and celebration in Kerala. People sing greeting songs for King Mahabali, Sadhya, Thiruvathira Kali, Pookalam, Ona-thallu, Pulikali, and Onavillu. In the ten days that the Onam festival extends, you can impressively see Kerala's lifestyle and scenic wonders. Ten days are there to celebrate the celebration in tremendous splendour.
The most notable Onam celebrations include the intricately crafted Pookalam, fragrant Onasadya, stunning Snake-boat race, and alluring Kaikottikali Dance.
The most significant day of Onam, which lasts for ten days, is Thiruvonam. According to legend, Lord Vishnu pressed King Mahabali into the earth with his foot at the Nakshatra of Thiruvonam. Onam is a holiday honouring the mythological demon king Mahabali's return to his homeland.
Want to learn more about the origins of the Onam Festival and why Keralans consider it such a significant holiday? Continue reading, then. Mahabali, a magnificent ruler, formerly governed the three realms. These worlds were growing and developing during his time.
There was no room for greed or envy because everyone had access to food, money, and shelter. His subjects all coexisted peacefully and harmoniously. The Devas were envious of this and requested Lord Vishnu's assistance to stop it and restore their planets. Mahabali, however, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. The Lord did not want to cause his favourite any misery.
As a sacrifice to Lord Vishnu, Mahabali carried out a ceremony referred to as a "Yaga." Lord Vishnu assumed the identity of Vamana, a little child, to test his devotee. He went up to Mahabali and requested a wish.
Do you understand the boy's query? The three universes. In agreement, the King instructed him to advance three paces. Vaman began to expand until his first step encompassed the entire world, and his next one the heavens. He had no more room to put his foot after that.
Mahabali instructed him to put his feet on his head and send himself to the Patal Lok, or underground, because he was a nobleman. Mahabali's deed so impressed Vishnu that he was given the wish to visit his subjects once a year for all of the time. So there you have it! Since Onam, Mahabali has seen his followers.
Ten days are to celebrate the Onam holiday. You prepare for Mahabali's visit on the first day. People create little Pookkalam (flower rangoli). Over several days, more flowers are put into the outer layer to enlarge it.
Additionally, around this time, they begin to create clay replicas of Mahabali. As the days go by, the quantity of images rises. It is time to begin the cultural acts on the fourth day. By the final day, everyone has new attire and is getting ready to greet their King. They host a lavish feast to welcome Mahabali on the day of Thiruvonam. The order of the ten days is as follows.
Atham :- The Onam carnival lasts for ten days, with Atham marking the start of the festivities. People take an early shower and perform prayers in the neighbourhood temple to finish the Atham ceremonies. The beginning of pookalam production is a significant milestone for Atham. Pookalam, also known as Athapoo, is a complex flower mat spread in the entrance courtyard by housemaids. Common to welcome the venerable King Mahabali's spirit, who is reported to travel to Kerala during Onam.
Chithira :- Although there are no clearly defined traditions for the day, people worship to ask for divine benefits.
Chodhi :- The day is full of activity and commotion. The state's markets are filled with frantic shoppers as everyone buys new clothing and decorations in preparation for the important festival of Onam.
Visakam :-There is a distinct sense of anticipation among Keralans since there are now only a relatively small number of days until the important days. On the day of Visakam, you can see brisk home and market activity.
Anizham :- Anizham :- The big Snake Boat Race competition, or Vallamkali, which is held on the fifth day of Onam, is the highlight of the day.
Thriketta :-The folks of Kerala are currently experiencing a sense of excitement and gladness. Different historical groups across the state organise cultural events and communal meetings.
Moolam :- Now that only two days are left until the festival, Kerala is excited. In the state's business districts, there are crowds of folks with things, and you can see the vibrant colours of the celebrations. There is a flurry of activity around as eager customers finish their cargo.
Pooradam :-The day is significant for Onam celebrations. A Ma is a miniature pyramid-shaped clay idol made by devotees. People use flowers to embellish each Ma.
Due to the installation of a new design that features a different bloom on Pooradam, the Attha Poo's size is further expanded.
Uthradam :-Uthradam, also known as Uthradam, is the ninth and last day of the Onam festival. People celebrate everywhere as they prepare to receive King Mahabali's spirit. Onam celebrations begin in full force in various parts of Kerala as early as Utradam. On that day, there is a holiday.
Thiruvonam :- On the tenth and most significant day of the Onam celebration, folks greet one another warmly. Many people think the mythical King Mahabali trips to Kerala during Thiru Onam.Early in the morning, things get going. People tidy up their houses, take early showers, put on fresh clothes, and attend special rituals held at their homes and nearby temples.
Onam Pookalam :- Onappookkalam marks the start of the Onam Festival. Onappookkalam is a well-executed floral design that begins with Atham. Children used to start gathering flowers to build the pookkalam in the early days. But nowadays, people purchase flowers from the market and create intricate, ornate pookkalam.Pookkalams are in front of homes, temples, and public places. No matter their colour or creed, you can find people performing pookalams, even though it is a Hindu ceremony. Love creating your pookkalam.
Thiruvathirakkali :- Women do this sort of group dancing while donning a traditional set mundu. The women sing songs about gods and epic tales while they dance around a lamp called "Nilavilakku."
The boat race :-This customary occasion sometimes referred to as "Vallam kali," takes place during the Onam Festival. The long snake boats are the most well-known of the various types of boats used in the race. During Kerala's Onam season, the Nehru Trophy Vallamkali race is one of the most famous and popular occasions. Teams put in weeks of practice before this intense competition. Kerala's state symbol is the traditional snake boats.
Pulikali :-On the fourth Onam Festival, folks invade the city streets while wearing tigers and leopards as body art. One of the most well-known leisurely types of folk art associated with Onam is this. The amazing collection of tigers in Thrissur occupies the city centre, and it joins with the "Chenda" and "Thakil" drums.
Sadya is the highlight of the Onam Festival. You can get the customary Onam Sadya on the day of Thiruvonam. You can offer food on a banana leaf, and it would feature more than 25 various sorts of food.
One of the most significant and expected aspects of Onam is Sadya. The meal served for their adored King is lunch. As Sadya concludes the festivities, all the dishes must be of the highest calibre. A perfect Onam Sadya is also necessary for a genuine Onam experience.
Every Malayali holds the Onam festival dear to their hearts. It transports them back to their early years. The recollection makes Onam more delightful. Onam typically occurs in August or September. The variety of cultural and traditional rites and art forms enhance the Onam experience.
The timing of your trip to Kerala during Onam could be more fortunate. You can take in the celebrations, watch the boat racing, and eat delicious food. Knowing the history of Onam has made it easier for you to participate in the festivities and enjoy yourself.