Celebrated within the month of Chingam – the start of Malayalam calendar, Onam is a harvest competition and one of many largest celebrations of God’s personal nation – Kerala. Onam festivities final for a span of ten days and are marked with nice enthusiasm and fervour throughout the state. This yr, as we get able to usher within the competition on September 13, 2016, let’s make a journey down the historical past to seek out what the competition symbolises, its legend, and the way finest to have fun it.
The Legend of Onam
Fashionable legend goes that well-known demon king Mahabali visits the state of Kerala annually originally of the Malayalam calendar and the competition of Onam is held to mark his go to. The period of Mahabali’s reign was a golden one for the state with prosperity and happiness throughout. King Mahabali was genereous and giving however had one shortcoming and that was his egoistic nature. Threatened by his rising recognition, the devas/gods encashed this weak spot in Mahabali’s character to place an finish to his reign. Defeated, Mahabali requested the gods to grant him the flexibility to yearly go to his folks whom he loves a lot as a final want and the gods obliged.
Onam Celebrations
The ten days of Onam are when the wealthy cultural heritage of Kerala is displayed at its finest to guests and natives. The highlights of celebrations embody:
- Onasadya: A grand vegetarian 9 course meal ready on the day of Thiruonam, and served on a banana leaf is without doubt one of the most sought-after highlights of Onam. Most households put together wherever from 11-13 Onasadya recipes for the lavish unfold whereas eating places function many as 30 dishes.
- Onakkodi: As with most Hindu festivals, conventional attire are an necessary a part of Onam celebrations. Most Malayaless buy new garments for the competition with males dressing up in mundu(white dhoti with a golden border) and girls adorned in a set saree or kasav saree (white cotton Kerala saree with golden border). Observing conventional customs is a means of individuals to recollect the affluent and truthful life through the golden reign of King Mahabali.
- Vallamkali/ Snake Boat Race: Cheered by throngs of spectators who come from throughout the state, this boat race held on the river Pampa makes for some of the entertaining sights of Onam. Over 100 boatmen compete with one another in fantastically adorned boats amidst chanting of people songs and loud cheering.
- Pookkalam: That is the standard apply of adorning homes with various kinds of flower designs in entrance of the primary gate. A brand new layer of flowers is added to the Pookalam with every passing day of the 10-day lengthy competition. Some communities additionally maintain Pookkalam competitions.
- Elephant Procession: Held in Thrissur, the elephant procession is without doubt one of the most eagerly awaited occasions of Onam. Adorned with stunning flowers, ornaments, and different metals, majestic elephants take a spherical of the town, dancing and interacting with on-lookers via small animated gestures. It’s a deal with to look at, particularly for youths.
- Kaikottikali: It is a common folks dance through which girls clap and sing songs to reward King Mahabali on the event of Onam.
- Thumbi Thullal: One other common folks dance celebrating Onam with girls wearing conventional finery dancing in circles to please the King.
Armed with every little thing it’s good to find out about Onam, it’s time to begin making ready for the mega competition. Adorn your own home, gown up in conventional finery, and shock your family members by making a lip smacking lavish feast.
