Onam
Onam is a major festival in Kerala which marks the occasion of return of the benevolent and revered king Mahabali back from netherworld to review the welfare of the subjects he once ruled upon.
Onam, rich in culture and heritage, is celebrated with great fervour and customs galore in the month of ‘Chingam’ of the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham. This year the very special day out of 10 days of the traditional harvest festival, called as Thiru Onam falls on September 7 and is hugely anticipated by locals and the eager tourists who are interested to take back small piece of this amazing heritage.
Trivandrum, Thrissur and Kottayam would be the cities which would be bedecked with decorations and fanfare and the State Government is only too happy to announce ‘Tourism Week’ at this time because what better than caparisoned elephants, glittering fireworks, events, carnivals and the famous Kathakali dance to prove your point of a miraculous and joyous inheritance of culture.
Onam Pookalam
All the Pookalam designs, exquisite wallpapers, pictures and greetings are available during this festival season.
Onam: the History
The story goes that once upon a time very long ago, Kerala had a wise and judicious king in the Asura (Demon), Mahabali. He was not only a benevolent ruler but cared about his subjects with an almost fatherly devotion. His popularity though, earned the ire of the Gods who feared their thrones and evoked concern from the God mother, Aditi. Hence, Lord Vishnu seeking to remove Aditi’s qualms took the avatar of Vamana (a Dwarf) and landed at a Yajna being held by the Demon king. Mahabali was impressed by Vamana and granted him a single wish ignoring the warning by his preceptor, Shukracharya.
The king however, did not budge from his stance since he considered going back on a promise to be a great sin. Vamana wished only for 3 paces of Land. Once his simple enough wish was granted Lord Vishnu assumed his true form and in one step owned the sky and in the next he conquered the netherworld. Everyone was quivering in anticipation of Earth’s destruction with the Lord’s final step but the tender and loving king offered his head instead. He bore the brunt of the last step to be pushed way down to the netherworld but Lord Vishnu couldn’t ignore the sacrifice and honesty which distinguished the great emperor Mahabali. He was allowed to visit his people once every year to ascertain their well-being and then depart in peace to his abode in the netherworld.
Onam
Onam is a tribute to the king who ruled the hearts and to acknowledge his greatness.
Onam: The Festivities, Customs and much more……
The vanquished king, Mahabali is first offered a flowery welcome with every house decorated with a carpet called Pookalam. The courtyards, freshly plastered with dung for purification purposes, also contain two earthen mounds symbolising both Mahabali and Lord Vishnu. The main Onam’s highlight is its classic feast served on Banana leaves called Ona Sadya. People of any caste or creed cannot ignore the sweet smelling Payasam at all.
Get your own fabulous Pookalam designs to get the hang of it and feel the real essence of Onam.
Onam: Boatraces
Onam is incomplete without Vallamkali or its traditional boat-races. It’s most vividly entertaining in Karuvatta, Payippad, Aranmula and Kottayam regions. They have special boats for the races which resemble Snakes and are referred to as Chundans since they represent the raised hood of the majestic cobra eager for the kill. Odis are also part of the attraction which are small and nimble, classic example of Kerala’s royalty. They are adorned with gold tasselled umbrellas of silken textures.
The Churulans boast of magnificently curled prows and sterns. Then there are also the Veppus, which are cook boats at best. The boat races have a dedicated fan following too ranging in thousands who throng the banks to witness sheer power, skills and a brilliant tandem.
Does your wallpaper feature the latest Onam wallpapers too? Go ahead; take your pick out of the numerous wallpapers available online and in stores if you’re in the blessed land of Kerala
Onam: Be there
Onam is simply a festival you shouldn’t miss. It is surely the incarnation of the secular ideals we hold on to. Hindus, Christians, Muslims and the like, all join in this stupendous celebration of joy and thanksgiving gesture. It is not a surprise that they find they are welcome and truly a part of the customs without any visible effort to blend in. it is about new clothes, great food, splendour, diversity and a unity unheard of but found only in India.
If you really want to make sure to be a part of the festivities, make sure you are stocked with your quota of Onam special Greetings, Onam Pookalam Designs and the especially graphic Onam wallpapers.
