ONAM 2015

Onam festival is unique since king Mahabali is revered by people of Kerala from prehistory.  Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. It falls during the first Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and lasts for ten days. Hence, it can be considered as a New Year celebration.

On this auspicious day people conduct special prayers in temples. The festival is marked by Pookalam, elaborate banquet lunches and snake boat races among various others festivities. On each day of the festival, courtyards decorated with intricate floral carpets called Pookalam, attain new colour as flowers of different colours are added to it everyday. A number of activities and dances are also organised, the most popular being Pulikali in which performers dress up as tigers. 

However, the high point of the day is the enormous lunch called Onasadya, when Payasam (rice pudding) in different flavours are prepared, be it Coconut Payasam, the gram pulse variant or Navadaanya Payasam.

 Almost all Malayali homes celebrate Onam , which once came with the traditional 26-dish sadhya (feast). These days, few households go the full distance.

The sadhya has to be served on a banana leaf. In some places, the meal is still eaten squatting on the floor.

The 26-dish traditional lunch would include chips, pappads, various vegetable dishes, a good number of pickles both sweet and sour, the traditional aviyal, sambar, dal curry served along with a small quantity of ghee, rasam, two different preparations of butter milk, a chutney powder made of grated coconut, and many mouth-watering payasams (sweet dishes), some of which are eaten mixed with a ripe plantain.

Over the years, paucity of time has caused many modifications in the traditional meal. Today, few homes go the whole hog and sit down to a 26-dish meal. There are even those who prefer to have an Onam bash in a hotel. Most star hotels have started taking advance bookings as well. None of them offer a meal, though, for less than Rs.500. Onam preparations in full swing among expatriate community The preparation is also in full swing among the expatriate community from the Indian state in Dubai as they have geared up for the grand feast that is synonymous with the event.

The celebrations start on August 29 but many community organisations are also organising cultural events until next month when many of the expatriates who are currently on holiday will be back. In the UAE, the Onam spirit is apparent in a heavy rush of customers at retail outlets selling Indian grocery items as they try to avail special prices on ingredients used in the preparation of Onasadya, the traditional vegetarian spread which is an integral part of the celebrations. The festival celebration is not limited to the Keralite community, other communities also take part in the celebrations.

The legend of Onam and Thrikkakara's role

The legend of Onam comes alive in the Thrikkakara temple. According to the legends, the mythical king Mahabali used to worship at the Siva temple here. The name Thrikkakara, they say, has its origins in the word 'Thiru Kaal Karai' or the land where the lord kept his feet. Asura King Mahabali, was a just ruler and he ruled over the world and nether-world. Indra, the lord of the heavens felt challenged by his popularity and pleaded to the gods to end Mahabali's rule.

Lord Vishnu agreed to take on the avatar of a dwarf - Vamana - and met the king. He begged for as much land as would be covered by three paces of his feet. Despite his guru Shukracharya's advice, the just ruler, agreed to the dwarf's request. Vamana grew in size, covered earth and sky and did not have a place for his third foot, Mahabali, offered him his head and Vamana sent him to the nether-worlds with the agreement that he could visit his kingdom once a year - on Onam day. This incident, it is believed happened at Thrikkakara.

After the purpose of the avatar was met, Sage Kapila installed Vamanamoorthy as the presiding deity of the temple. Over the years, the Lord Siva installation here was transformed to 'Mathevar' and the Vamanamoorthy is called 'Thrikkakaraappan' or 'Onathapan'. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples in India. Divya desam temples in Kerala

 

Onam - then and now

 

During the good old days, Onam used to be a one month long festival at Thrikkakara. The Zamorin of Kozhikode used to be the presiding ruler and the 64 local chieftains used to conduct the festival. Later, it got cut short to just 10 days. The king of Kochi used to travel to Thrikkakara with the Athachamayam procession, offer his prayers here before heading back to his palace.

Everyone across the state was supposed to come to the temple and offer prayers during Onam season. Allowances were made for people who could visit the temple. Conical mud idols were expected to be consecrated at each of the 'athapookalams' across the state and worshiped.

The festival at Thrikkakara lasts 10 days now, starting on the Atham day. The main observance is the 'charthu' or decking up the god in keeping with the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The last two days are very special with people from all walks of life taking part in the Onam feast or Onasadya. The Pakalpooram is held on Uthradam day, which is the day before Onam.

Athachamayam at Tripunithura

Tripunithura, which is about 7kms from the heart of Kochi, has always had a distinct charm. A drive through this town will take you past some old buildings and remains of forts, which speak of a proud bygone era. Tripunithura was the home of the ruling kings of erstwhile Kochi kingdom, before the state of Kerala was formed. The Hill Palace and the Sree Poornathrayeesa temple adds to its rustic charm. 

Tripunithura has always been a cultural hub. Arts, music and various art forms flourished here under the rule of the kings and even later. On a normal day, Tripunithura is just another ordinary town in Kerala. But come Chingam and this town wears a whole different look. For, it is time for the unique 'Athachamayam' festivities.

The Athachamayam is a cultural extravaganza, which kick-starts the 10-day Onam celebrations. The main attraction is the parade. Folk art forms such as Theyyam, Kummatti, Kolkali, Mayilattom, Karakattom, Kummi, Poykal, Ammankudam, Pulikkali, Kathakali, Aattakkavadi, Panchavadyam, Chendamelam are displayed in the parade.
Floats depicting immortal moments from epics such as Mahabharatha and Ramayana and current social issues reflect the secular nature of the festival, highlighting unity and harmony. Myths and legends of yore in the forms of gods and goddesses lend colour and diversity to the event.

The origins

The Athachamayam is a cultural extravaganza, which kick-starts the 10-day Onam celebrations. The main attraction is the parade. Folk art forms such as Theyyam, Kummatti, Kolkali, Mayilattom, Karakattom, Kummi, Poykal, Ammankudam, Pulikkali, Kathakali, Aattakkavadi, Panchavadyam, Chendamelam are displayed in the parade. Floats depicting immortal moments from epics such as Mahabharatha and Ramayana and current social issues reflect the secular nature of the festival, highlighting unity and harmony. Myths and legends of yore in the forms of gods and goddesses lend colour and diversity to the event. 

Celebrations blend traditional with modern

On Onam, people wake us as early as 4 am and the day begins with getting their home ready. Elaborate prayers are recited and special pujas are performed by the senior family member. Lamps are lit up in front of the idols and all members of the house join in for the prayers. Since the festival is that of a harvest celebration, prayers are offered that the harvest in the coming year will be just as bountiful. 

After this many families opt to visit a nearby temple. Dressing up in traditional finery also plays an important role and often new clothes are given to every member of the family by the eldest. In some modern families, gifts are sometimes exchanged.

Once the religious rituals are over, it's time to prepare for the Onasadya, which is the grand meal of the day. Like all festivals, it is the food that remains the most impressive aspect. The grand feast for Onam is called Onasadya, and it is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Served on banana leaves, the family sits on the floor for this elaborate meal served on a fresh banana leaf. There is a fixed order of serving the meal and a set place to serve the various dishes on the leaf. A lot of preparation and hard work goes intro putting this meal together.

After the grand meal, its time for fun and games. The male members of the family usually indulge in some rigorous sporting activity, while the seniors and the women enjoy playing cards or a game of chess. Women also perform the traditional Kaikotti Kali, the clap dance or the Thumbi thullal. There are traditional games that are played during Onam, it's called Onakalikal. And it includes ball games, games of combat and archery and Kutukutu that is the Kerala version of kabaddi. But space is the most important requirement here. Finally the day ends singing traditional Oman songs.

In Kerala the celebrations are far more elaborate. Prominent among the celebrations is the Vallamkali commonly called the Snake Boat Race. The other highpoint of Onam is the dazzling display of fire works and each year the celebrations have only gotten bigger and better.

May this be an Onam with Happiness and Prosperity.
Let the festival of Onam be celebrated by every Malayali,
whoever and where ever they may be.
HAPPY ONAM

The Importance of Onam in a changing society

ONAM is one of the most important festivals of Kerala. ONAM (Sravanam in Sanskrit) is also known as Vamana Jayanti. it is on that day that Bhagavan Vishnu took the form of Vamana to suppress the ego of an otherwise good and popular King Mahabali (Grandson of Prahalada). King Mahabali loved his subjects very much and hence asked Bhagavan Vishnu to allow him to visit his subjects once a year on that day. Hence this day is celebrated in Kerala as the return of their favorite King Mahabali. The homes are beautifully decorated and there is ambiance of festivity every where in anticipation of the return of Mahabali. Boat races, floral decorations, cultural performances, music concerts are common during this

As we celebrate ONAM, one of our most sacred spiritual festivals, it is time to ask ourselves what is really important for our survival. What keeps us going? Not just in work, but in life. Who we want to be.... Not where we want to be. The process always starts with a deep look inside and outside...asking some basic, but important questions. What are our values? What are the values that sustains us in this ever changing society? How do we extricate from this...all pervasive influence of the electronic media, intrusive technology, virtual reality, Communism, secularism and the coercive nature of fundamental religious groups? Can we escape from the electronic sound bites, images, media manipulation, Communism, Jihadi terrorism and coercive religious conversion? Do these new stimuli have any redeeming spiritual value? These are critical questions! They demand our attention, judgment and action.

While we celebrate ONAM, we have a responsibility. We may have to do more than enjoying our feast. Perhaps, we may pause for a moment from the blinding virtual reality and rediscover the center of our Being. We must rediscover our moral-cultural-spiritual values. We must reintegrate our spirituality with cyber technology. During the ONAM season, let us join together and pledge to rediscover and nurture our eternal Dharma. It is a spiritual responsibility and pleasurable journey. Let us set off this new spiritual pursuit to fill the gap between spiritual space and cyber space.

Striving to bring sanity, harmony, and spirituality in our life and in our world demands creativity, dedication and commitment. It is time to articulate our eternal Dharma.

During this ONAM season, let us pledge our purpose. Our sacred culture unites us. It is our common bond. It unifies us. Our shared festival experience binds us together. Our ONAM is an expression of our spiritual bonding.

The Onam Celebration is an occasion for people to remind themselves of the all pervasive nature of the divine. Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Wish U all Happy Onam festival

Meaning of Onam

The word Onam is believed to have been originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which in Sanskrit refers to one of the 27 Nakshatars or constellations. Thiru in South India is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu and Thiruvonam is believed to be the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the great King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.

Onam: A Reflection on Equality

"When Mavali ruled the land," the people sing, "all the people were equal." And with this joyful song the Malayali community celebrates the harvest festival of Onam. Onam, a day filled with dances and the creation of masterful flower displays, fell on September 16th of this year. However, many celebrants often forget the religious significance behind the holiday.

King Maveli, also known as Mahabali, plays a significant role in theology. It is said that King Maveli became incredibly powerful and ruled over all of the lands of the earth and even victoriously conquered the heavens. At that time, Vamana (Vishnu in a dwarf form) appeared before him and requested to obtain a parcel of land measured by three footsteps. After the king assented, the dwarf grew to an enormous size and covered the earth and heavens with two steps. When Vamana asked where he should place his third footstep, the king offered his head. Pleased by the humility of the king, Vishnu raised Maveli to heaven. Unwilling to depart from his beloved subjects, Maveli requested to return to his kingdom once every year in order to ensure that peace and justice still ruled the land. This day is what is celebrated as Onam. While Onam is rightfully a time to celebrate and to be filled with merriment, it should also be a time for reflection and self-assessment. Maveli's rule was described as a time of equality for all his subjects; it was a golden age of tolerance and fraternity.

It is sometimes easy to forget the struggle for civil rights in the hustle-and-bustle of cut-throat competition that exists in our modern capitalist society. It is easy to think of one's self as immune to the injustices of discrimination in our democratic nation. However, whether we are personally unaffected by discrimination or not, we should always consider the plight of our fellow man. In the words of Asa Philip Randolph, a leader of the civil-rights movement, "A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess." While the quote was given in context of the African American civil rights movement, the lesson can be transferred to a global context. During Onam, it is important that we take a moment to gauge how well we perform in ensuring that all humans are born with equal opportunities.

It can seem daunting when one considers how much inequality exists within the world. It seems even more hopeless when one estimates the ability of a single individual to make an impact in changing the outcome of world politics. However, history has shown that all it can take is one Gandhi, one Rosa Parks, or one Nelson Mandela to straighten the crooked line of injustice.

The pookalams, flower petal arrangements that families prepare during Onam, are known for their colorfulness and beauty. However, anyone who has seen one first-hand is most impressed with how carefully the petals are arranged to give the semblance from a distance that the designs were painted, not formed through a careful placement of the petals. It only takes one misplaced petal, moved from its position by a gentle gust of wind, to melt the illusion. Justice and equality are equally as vulnerable to the winds of bias and discrimination; it takes only one act to make the world a step less perfect from the one that King Maveli created. On this Onam I challenge you to think how, in whatever small manner, you can help build an egalitarian world worthy of King Maveli's annual visit. Thiruvonam Aasamsakal. Happy Onam.

Importance of Onam

The festival of Onam is dedicated to the King Mahabali who though was an Asur (one with more negative thoughts in his mind) by birth but was a Sur (one with more positive thoughts in his mind) by virtue. It is said that Kerala never witnessed a better time than it witnessed during the rule of King Mahabali. He was the most just king ever. None of the needy ever returned empty handed from his door. The myth of King Mahabali says that the king sacrificed himself along with every thing else he had in order to stand true to his words. Thus as a reward for his sacrifice he was blessed to be remembered by the people of Kerala and all his followers for eternity in the form of Onam festival.

If you wish to travel to Kerala to enjoy the fun and frolic of an Indian festival, then the best option would be the time of Onam. The interesting rituals associated with the festival contribute to making the celebrations of Onam a fascinating one.

GREAT IMPORTANCE OF ONAM FESTIVAL

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Patala (the underworld). Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory.The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The deity Vamana, also called Onatthappan, is also revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam) .The birthday of Sri Padmanabhan, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. Thiruonam day is the most important day of Onam.

Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala. The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions.The tenth day of Onam Celebrations The final day of Onam that culminates the 10 days of Onam Carnival. The day is known as Thiru-Onam (Sacred Onam Day) also known as 'Second Onam'. Myth says that this was the day Mahabali was sent to the netherworld (athalam) by Vamana. The day marks the return of Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his subjects and bless them. Apart from this myth, this day is considered auspicious being birthdays of several temple deities like Vamana of Thrikkara temple, Sree Padmanabha Swamy of Thiruvananthapuram etc.

Activities begin early in the morning. People clean their house, apply rice flour batter on the main entrance (a traditional welcome sign), take an early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to needy. The eldest female member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Special prayers and Masses are organized in temples, The Pookkalam is prepared to welcome Mahabali.

Taking advantage of the Yagam and Mahabali's declaration, Vamana (Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin) came to the Yaga-shala. Mahabali received the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and courtesies. Mahabali expressed that it was his good fortune that Vamana had chosen to honour him with his presence. He asked Vamana what gift he desired, and said he was ready to fulfill anything. Vamana smiled and said: "I do not ask for anything great. All I need is land equivalent to three paces of my feet".

On hearing this, Mahabali's perceptive guru, Shukracharya, told Mahabali that the boy was no ordinary Brahmin, but Lord Vishnu Himself. He advised Mahabali not to promise the lad anything. But Mahabali was a king who would never go back on his word, considering it sinful to do so. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfill the demand of Vamana as he had come to deprive him of all his possessions.

However, all attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Mahabali proved futile. Mahabali considered everyone who came to him for help as god himself and never refused them anything. Mahabali told his Guru: "Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are like the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Knowing that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord, who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me." Mahabali gladly said that even if Vishnu himself were to come to his sacrifice and ask for anything, he would deliver it.

Mahabali, determined to honour his promise, begged the pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice, and resumed his promise to Vamana. 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 the 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 (a cyclic measure of time), thus fulfilling his devotee's desire (the office of Indra was 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 them every year. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth ("Satya"). The name "Mahabali" itself means Great Sacrifice.

During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Mahabali's flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The 'Vastra' also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings.

All about Onam

What is Onam?
Onam is a festival celebrated by Malayalis in Kerala or in any other part of the world to mark the homecoming of the Great King Mahabali. It is also said to mark the harvest season for Kerala. The festival lasts for ten days and is celebrated with a great splendour.

When is Onam celebrated?
The great festival of Onam is celebrated usually in the month of August-September. This period of time is the first month of year according to the Malayali calender (Kollavarsham). The Onam festival spans over a period of ten days and these ten days are the most lively and entertaining days in Kerala when every one is gripped with the festive fever. Onam is on 7th September 2014.

 

Onam is celebrated at this time of the year primarily for two reasons. One is that this is time for the visit of once a great king of Kerala- King Mahabali. According to a common belief the king visits the earth from his kingdom in Underground (Patal) and blesses his subjects who leave no stone unturned to welcome their much revered king. Ten days festivities are associated with movement of King Mahabali from Patal to the time he reaches Earth and goes back to his world. This also is harvest season in Kerala. Thus, this festival is also celebrated as the harvest festival of Kerala where people gather and celebrate arrival of new crops.

Why is Onam Celebrated?
Onam is celebrated to mark the homecoming of the King Mahabali who is believed to be the greatest king ever in Kerala. It is believed that he rules the underworld as per the orders of Lord Vishnu and visits his subjects once in a year and this occasion is called Onam which for Malayalis all across the world is an extravaganza.

Where is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated by the Malayalis all over India and the world but it is primarily celebrated in Kerala in India where its glitter is equivalent to that of a national festival.

What is the duration of the Onam festival?
The festival of Onam lasts for ten days. Each day is called by a different name and there are specific celebrations on each of the ten days. There also are post Onam celebrations in Kerala which adds two more days to the celebrations.

How is Onam celebrated in Kerala?
The festival of Onam brings a long with it all the colours of Kerala-its history, its culture, its beliefs. Designing of beautiful flower carpets called Pookalam, preparation of banquet lunch, organization of snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance are the major attractions of the festival.

What are other names for the festival of Onam?
Onam is called Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam (Sacred Onam Day). Another name for the festival is the 'Sravanmahotsav'.

Which are the places in Kerala most famous for celebrating Onam?
Onam is celebrated throughout the Kerala with a lot of gaiety and fun but the some of the place where masses gather to celebrate the festival include Tripunithura, near Ernakulam in greater Kochi where Athachamayam festival is celebrated. People dress up as tigers and lions and dance at Swaraj Round in Thrissur. The boat race in Aranmula is another major attraction of the festival.

What are the special dishes cooked for the festival of Onam in Kerala?
The cooking of elaborated meals Known as Onam-Sadya is an important part of the Onam festival. These meals served on Banana leaves include rice along with at least 4 varieties of dishes along with traditional pickles and papadam and dessert called 'payasam'.

What are the major attractions or events of the Onam festival?
The ten day Onam festival is an occasion of numerous events. Some of the most popular and interesting events are Pokkalam, Onasadya, Onakalikal, Vallamkali Boat Race and Elephant Procession.

Onam, the colourful and picturesque festival, represents the spirit of Kerala celebrated by Malayalees the world over in an idyllic state of leisure, games, dance, music and sumptuous feasts. It transports each Malayali home in Kerala. Onam is the biggest harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm irrespective of caste or community. This year Onam falls on September 9.

The word Onam or Thiruvonam is derived from the Sanskrit word Shravanam. Thiruonam is one among the 27 nakshatras or constellations. The word 'Thiru' is used to address places and activities associated with Lord Vishnu. Thiruvonam is also believed to be the nakshatra of Vishnu. Onam is celebrated at the beginning of Chingam, the first month of Kollavarsham of the Malayalam calendar. This corresponds with August-September according to the Gregorian calendar. It is believed that Onam celebrations started during the Sangam era. This year, Thiruonam fell on September 2.

During the harvest season, fields look brilliant and glow with golden paddy grains. It is also boom time for fruits and flowers. After Karkidakam, the month of deprivation, farmers are happy with a bountiful harvest and celebrate the festival to the hilt. Onam festival continues for ten days, starting from the day of Atham and culminating on Thiruonam. Atham is decided by the position of stars and is regarded as auspicious.

The festival marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. He is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan. Mahabali is the son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashipu. Mahabali also belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He was greatly respected and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. Everybody was happy and the rich and poor were treated equally. There was neither crime, nor corruption prevalent in his kingdom. It is said that people did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in his kingdom. It is believed that on the Thiruonam day, Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vamana and sent him to the nether world. Onam celebrations are marked in Trikkakara near Aluva said to be the capital of King Mahabali. A temple with a deity of Trikkakara Appan or Vamanamurthy who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place.

The people of Kerala believe that on the Thiruonam day King Mahabali visits his subjects and hence the day is marked by feasting and festivities. To welcome their revered King, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) and prepare a grand feast (Onasadya). It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes and served on banana leaves. In traditional large families called Tharawads, the Karanavar or the eldest member gives Onapudava or new clothes as gifts to all family members including servants. Other members of the family exchange gifts among each other.

Another feature of Onam is Vallamkali or the snake boat race. A large number of big and decorated boats called Chundan Vallams participate with hundreds of oarsmen for the race. The long boats embellished with festoons and silk umbrellas present a charming spectacle in the backwaters of Punnamada near Alappuzha. The rhythmic rise and fall of the oars as oarsmen row in unison and the songs and music of the drum is an eye-catching spectacle. The annual boat race on the day of Uthrittathi at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district and the Vallasadhya or the feast for the participants is a significant event.

Athachamayam is a grand procession that marks the beginning of Onam and is celebrated at Tripunithura. The event recalls a royal tradition when Maharajas of erstwhile Kochi state travelled to the Tripunithura Fort with their entire entourage.

A procession of decorated elephants is carried out in Trissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Bejeweled elephants in their full majesty and grandeur are a magnificent sight to behold.

Pulikkali or Kaduvakali is another entertaining performance where the performers take the guise of tigers, painting their bodies yellow with patterns of black and red. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tigers being hunted by humans are beautifully depicted through this folk art. Kummattikali is another recreational folk dance performed during Onam. Clad in plaited grass and colourful wooden masks, performers entertain people by enacting mythological and folk themes.

Kaikottikali is an elegant clap dance performed on the occasion of Onam. In this, women sing songs praising the legendary King Mahabali and dance around the Pookalam. Thumbi Thullal is another folk dance performed by a group of women who sit in a circle. The lead performer sits inside the circle and initiates the song which is taken up by other singers.

Onam not only keeps alive memories of a bygone era of peace and prosperity but brings families scattered in distant places to an annual get-together reinforcing the strong family bonds.

5 things you need to know about Onam

Onam is the harvest festival that brings all of a Malayalee family together. This 10-day long festival is celebrated with great pomp and fervour in Kerala. The festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug – Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana Avatara of God Vishnu and homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. A feast with 26 dishes, new clothes, pookalam (rangoli of flowers), dance and music are core activities of this ancient festival. One has to visit Kerala to visualizes the high spirit of this grand festival in its full form.

Onam is the harvest festival that brings all of a Malayalee family together. This 10-day long festival is celebrated with great pomp and fervour in Kerala. The festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug – Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana Avatara of God Vishnu and homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. A feast with 26 dishes, new clothes, pookalam (rangoli of flowers), dance and music are core activities of this ancient festival. One has to visit Kerala to visualizes the high spirit of this grand festival in its full form.

Natives of Kerala who are settled in various parts of the world also celebrate the festival with great pleasure. Although due to limitations people across do not celebrate all the 10 days, Malayaless make it a point to celebrate the main day of the festival-Thiru-Onam.

1. The Great kind King Mahabali

Although Onam is a harvest festival, there is a myth attached to it. There is a tale why the people of Kerala prepare the grand lunch-they want Mahabali to feast at their homes. The story begins in the land of backwaters when everyone in the kingdom of the King Mahabali lived happily. Prosperity, well being and happiness were the key feature of the good land. There was no discrimination on the basis of caste, class, rich and poor. The myth also says that people did not even lock their doors when they went out as there were no thieves.

However, the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali planted jealousy in the minds of Gods who became extremely concerned. Taking advantage of the kind king's nature, Lord Vishnu disguised as Vamana went to the king and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said that he could have as much land as he wanted although the Brahmin needed just 3 steps of land. As soon as the King granted land to the Brahmin, he started growing in cosmic proportions. That is when the King understood that he was not a ordinary Brahmin. The first step of Lord Vishnu covered the world, second the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali space for him to keep his third foot

Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, who pushed him to patala, the nether world. But the King asked for something before he was killed, he requested the Lord to allow him to visit his subjects at least once in a year. Malayalees believe that Mahabali visit them every Onam and hence celebrate the festival.

2. Food (Onasadya)

The mention of Onam brings in the sight of the banana leaf filled with hot pipping dishes. About 22 to 26 dishes are made and are served on the green leaf with brown rice and papadum (papad). Sambha, Avial, Parippucurry, Rasam being some of the well known ones, sweets include Payasam (kheer). The lunch is nothing less that a grand feast.

3. The Tradiitonal Mundu veshti and kasav sari

Onam is incomplete without Onakkodi, the new clothes purchased for the festival. Dressing up in the traditional mood of the state is considered to the significance of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during the flawless reign of the King Mahabali. Men dress up in mundu (white dhoti with golden or a colorful border) and women in set saree or kasav saree (white saree with golden border).

4. Pookalam

Pookalam is a floral carpet made in various designs on all the ten days of the festival. It is similar to a rangoli, only that the color powders are replaced with colorful flowers. People make it in front of their houses on the mud, Malayalees who reside outside Kerala lay Pookalam inside their houses due to space constraints.

5. Celebrations

There are lot many traditional dance forms that are performed on this day. Tiger Dance and Kaikottikali are some of the famous one. Boat races (Vallamkali) are also a part of the great celebrations. The snake boat race is an event that synonymous with Onam. About 1000 oarsmen row huge snake boats while singing songs. The sight is worth watching.

10 Days Of Onam

ATHAM - DAY 1

Celebrations commence from the first day, Atham. The day is regarded holy and auspicious by the people of Kerala. People take early bath on the day and offer prayers in the local temple. Making of Pookkallam or the flower carpet starts from this day. Attha Poo is prepared in the front courtyard by girls of the house to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali in whose honour Onam is celebrated. Boys play a supporting role and help in gathering flowers. In the following days, more flowers are added to Pookalam. As a result Pookalam turns out to be of massive size on the final day.

CHITHIRA- DAY 2

Chithira is the second day of festival . Girls add new flowers to Pookalam which they started on the day of Atham. Boys of the house arrange flowers for the girls. Planning and intense discussions for the big day of Onam begins from this day. Each event is discussed in detail so that nothing remain undone or incomplete.

CHODHI - DAY 3

The third day is called the Chothi. This day witnesses a number of activities. The markets get overcrowded, as people get engrossed with the task of buying new apparels, accessories and various items of decoration for the household.

VISAKAM - DAY 4

Women who have to prepare the elaborate meal of Onasadya on Thiruvonam, gets engaged in the prior preparations on Visakam. Making of various types of pickles and pappadams (papad) besides various other things begins now.

ANIZHAM - DAY 5

A the grand Snake Boat Race event called Vallamkali, which takes place takes place on the fifth day of the Onam. The competition takes place on the banks of the river Pamba at Aranmulla.

THRIKETA - DAY 6

By the sixth day, which is known as Thriketa, people who have migrated to other places start visiting their homes to celebrate the Onam festivity along with their family members.

 MOOLAM - DAY 7

Pookalam is made in a new design with kondattam (gaiety) on this day with the most beautiful flowers. There is hustle and bustle everywhere as excited people do their last bit of shipping. People get the feel that the time to meet their Onathappan has just come.

POORADAM - DAY 8

Devotees create clay idols in the shape of small pyramids called a Ma. Therefore this day is also called Poorada Uttigal.

UTRADAM - DAY 9

On the day of Utradam, ninth day since the beginning of the festival, houses are well cleaned and decorated and gala feasts are arranged. Then the images of deities and cones made up of sticky clay painted red are placed there. They are known as 'Trikkakara Appan'. These images are adorned with lines tastefully drawn with rice flour mixed with water and then they are worshipped. After the 'puja', the male members raise loud rhythmic shouts of joy known as 'Aarppu Vilikkukal'. House cleaning starts on a massive scale and everything is made to look neat and tidy. There is also a set breakfast consisting of steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). This remains the same till the day of Thiru Onam. A swing is also slung on a high branch of a tree. It is decorated with flowers and the youngsters take great delight in swinging and singing, that goes simultaneously.

THIRU ONAM - DAY 10

Kerala appears in its grandiose best on this day. Cultural extravaganza, music and feasts add joy to the God's Own Country. The Onam celebrations open early in the morning of the Tiru Onam day, at about 4 or 5 a.m. There are celebrations all around the state and everybody takes active participation in them.

Significance Of Onam Sadya Feast

The Onam 'Sadya' is the Malyalam word for a feast. Actually, Sadya is not just served during Onam celebrations. A Sadya can also be the meal served during a wedding or Vishu which is another Kerala festival. However, the Onam Sadya has its own specifications and particulars. For example, a set number of items and types of food have to serve in this feast.

Particulars Of Onam Sadya For all practical purposes, the sadya served on Onam is purely vegetarian.

Onions and garlic are not used in this meal at all. Typically, the Sadya has to have atleast 23-24 items in totality. These dishes served in the feast come in the form of many courses served one after another. The Sadya is served on a banana leaf and eaten sitting on the floor. All family and friends sit in rows on the floor and enjoy the food with their fingers. No kind of cutlery is used for eating the feast. The Onam sadya has some very special items from the Kerala cuisine. For example, avail (curd curry), thoran (dry vegetables), pickles, lemon, salt and boiled rice are some of the main dishes served in the feast. Kootu curry and payasam (sweet dish) are also essential dishes for the Onam sadya. All these special dishes of the Kerala cuisine are served in a particular order. In the end, it is customary for all the guests to chew on betel leaves as a digestive. Significance Of Onam Sadya The feast of Onam has its own significance too. Onam is celebrated as the day on which King Mahabali visits his people every year. During the reign of King Mahabali, Kerala reached the zenith of prosperity and wellbeing. That is why, King Mahabali wanted to ensure that his people are always well fed and prosperous. So, the Onam Sadya is made very grand and generous so that the great king is happy to see his people so well fed and happy.

How to handle an Onam Sadya

If you're not from Kerala or don't know how to tackle a traditional Onam Sadya these steps might come in handy.

Your plate:

The feast is served on a plantain leaf. Traditionally you'll be sitting crossed legged on the floor with the leaf placed in front of you. Guests will be sitting in rows so that the people serving you can make their way through the group easily. The narrow end of the leaf will be pointed to the left side and if you're a Keralite Christian it is customary to fold the left edge of the leaf. You can take a nibble of some of the fried banana chips while you're waiting for the rice to be served.

Main course:

The rice will be served in 4 separate phases. The initial serving may be the largest and for some people it may be enough to last you till the end of the feast. The main thing to remember is not to eat too much rice till the sweets are served. You may separate the rice on your leaf into 4 smaller portions to go with each phase. What follows below is the order (as far as I know) in which the meal is to be consumed; 

1. Rice with Parippu/dal (this is a curry made from lentils) accompanied by a generous spoonful of clarified butter on top

2. Rice with Sambar

3. Rice with Rasam

4. Contrary to usual meals, the desserts are served in the penultimate stage and you must leave some space if you want to finish the last round of rice. Usually two different kinds of Payasams are served. More elaborate weddings or luxurious feasts will feature four kinds of sweets.

5. Rice with Moru (spiced buttermilk)

6. Congratulations if you've survived this far. Now pat yourself on the back, finish off that banana and wash it down with the glass of herbal tea. When you're ready to leave, gently fold the leaf away from you and place the glass on top of the leaf so that they can clear it away.

Onam Pookalam meaning importance and steps to design Athapoovu

Onam Pookalam meaning importance and steps to design Athapoovu with pics images wallpapers : Pookalam is one of the impressive and attractive activities on Onam celebration. Pookalam is a tangled, impressive and colourful arrangement of flowers which is beautifully laid on the floor. On the celebration of Onam decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala. Tradition of designing Pookalam is followed as a ritual in every household in Kerala during ten-day-long Onam celebrations.

Meaning of Pookalam:

'Pookalam' combination of two words, 'poov' and 'kalam'. 'Poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means colour sketches on the ground or floor. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam.

Pookalam is also known as 'Aththa-Poo' during the festival of Onam in South India.

In the period of Onam celebration people believe that the spirit of their dear King Mahabali Maveli visits Kerala. For impress and welcome of their dear King Mahabali they are decorate their house with different impressive painting and Pookalam is to decorate floor with impressive arrangement of different type of flowers. People present flashes of South Indian tradition with these Pookalam designs. Especially adolescent girls prepare elaborate Pookalams to welcome their most loved King Mahabali Maveli.

How to make simple, beautiful and attractive Pookalam:

Pookalam is a beautiful arrangement of flowers so to make simple, beautiful and attractive pookalam we require Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity and technique and team effort.

Requirements to design eye catch Pookalam on Onam:

Pookalam or Athapoovu are usually circular in shape so first sketch your desired design on floor.

Multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves use to cover your sketched shape.

Note: Powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited.

Idols of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu or Lord Vamana are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the every house during Onam celebration. To prepare Pookalams various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam celbration. Commonly used flowers to decorating Pookalam or Athapoovu during Onam:

Thumba (Lucas Aspera),

Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, 

Mukkutti (little tree plant),

Chemparathy (shoe flower),

Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana),

Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora).

'Thumba Poo' flowers are considered to be the favorite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva.

 

 

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