The festival of Onam (September 6th to 16th of 2013) Where: Onam is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all religious communities. When: Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar. The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam (beginning at Atham, followed by Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thirketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and finally Thiruvonam). The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. The Legend: According to Hindu tradition the asura (demon) King Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada (son of Hiranyakashyapa who was slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatara). Prahlad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. Mahabali learned the act of love and devotion to Lord Vishnu as a child, from Prahlada. During Mahabali’s reign his subjects were treated with equality and justice. The Devas, the celestial beings, were annoyed as Mahabali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated them. The gods approached Vishnu asking for his help whereby Vishnu argued that was Mahabali was righteous and good to his subjects and therefore was eligible to become sura (devas). However, Vishnu agreed to test Mahabali. During this time Mahabali was performing the sacrificial rite of the Viswajith Yagam or Aswamedha Yagam on the banks of the Narmada River in Brugacham (which is in Bharuch, Gujarat), declaring that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagam. Taking advantage of the Yagam and Mahabali’s declaration, Vamana (Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin) came to the Yaga-shala. As he approached them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgence form of the young lad. Mahabali went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. With the usual courtesy given to the people who come to ask for help, Mahabali told him that it was his good fortune that Vamana had chosen to honour him with his presence. Whatever Vamana desired, Mahabali was ready to fulfil Vamana smiled and said: “You need not give me anything great. It is enough if you give me that extent of land covered by three footsteps of mine”. A man of his word Mahabali agreed to this demand, despite warning from his preceptor Shukracharya who told him that Vamana was Lord Vishnu himself. Vamana grew in size until he towered above the heavens. With one footstep, he measured all of the earth. With the second, he claimed all of heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Mahabali owed him. Mahabali requested Vamana to place the final step on his head as the third step of land, for he had no other left. Vamana did so and in doing so, sent him down to Sutala, the heaven-like underworld. The site where he placed his foot is said to be the village of Thrikkakara (meaning place of the holy foot), and is the centre of the renowned Onam festival celebrated in relation to the legend of King Mahabali. For the devotion of this daitya, Mahabali, Lord Vishnu (Vamana) granted him rule over the underworld. It was also granted that he would hold the position of Indra for one Manvantara, thus fulfilling his devotee’s desire (the office of Indra being a rotating position, changing every Manvantara). As a last gift, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites celebrate the Onam festival to commemorate the memory of the Great King Mahabali who would keep his promise to visit. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth (“Satya”). The name “Mahabali” itself means Great Sacrifice. Tradition: Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator’s purpose (traditionally each layer of the onapookkalam is made on each of the 10 days of Onam). It is considered a work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called “Rangoli” which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it. 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. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators. There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities such as Thiruvathira Kali. People gather to watch Kathakali performers enact scenes from epics and folk tales. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Hope you enjoy....Wish you a happy onam !!!!
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 07:14:30 +0000
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