Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം) Onam , Onam 2011.
Onam is the largest festival in
the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam
calendar
which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the
legendary King Maveli. The festival
lasts for ten days and is linked to many
elements of Kerala's culture and tradition. Intricate flower carpets,
elaborate
banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance all
play a part in the festival.
And it can be undoubtedly said that these elements
constitute the diversity, colorfulness and richness that no
other festival can
claim in this world.
Onam is an ancient festival which still survives
in the Modern times. Kerala's rice
harvest and the festival of rain flowers which fell on the Malayalam
month of Chingam celebrated the annual visit from pathalam of the very noble
Demon King Maveli. Onam is
unique since king Maveli is revered by people of Kerala from prehistory.
According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its
golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy
and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects. He was that
much highly regarded among the subjects that even the Gods under Indra became
jealous of Mahabali, they approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now
equivalent to an Indra. Since a world with two Indras represents imbalance,
Mahavishnu assumed the form of a dwarf: the Vamana avatara had tricked him to
Pathalam, the Underworld. However, as Mahabali is equal to an Indra, he is to
wait until the next Yuga where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the
grace of Mahavishnu, Mahabali visits his people on an annual basis. Mahavishnu
serves Mahabali as a gatekeeper in the world of Pathalam as the Lord himself
serves his greatest devotees.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated
as Onam every year. People including children celebrate the festival in a grand
way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.
The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in
its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. The most impressive
part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on
Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes.
Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor
to have the meal.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali,
the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa
There is also a tradition to play games,
collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like
Talappanthukali (played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats
called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They
make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard
of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two
graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti
kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.
Mahabail's rule is considered the golden era of
Kerala. The following song is often sung over Onam:
“maveli nadu vaneedum kalam,manusharellarum
onnupole
amodhathode vasikkum kalam apathangarkkumottillathanum
kallavum illa chathiyumilla ellolamilla
polivachanam
kallapparayum cherunazhiyum kallatharangal mattonnumilla
adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla balamaranangal kelppanilla
(Translation)
“When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were equal.
And people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Deaths of children were unheard of,
There were no lies,
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no one was false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless races
This year Onam comes on 9th September
2011.
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