“During the ten-day Onam celebration, devotees bathe, offer prayers, wear traditional clothes, draw flower rangolis called Pookalam and cook a traditional fest called Sadhya”.
Onam’s celebrations are held in “Thrikkakara”, a place located 10 km away from Kochi on the road (Edapally-Pookattupadi). Thrikkara used to be the capital during the reign of Mahabali king. A temple having the divinity of ‘Thrikkakara Appan’, who is Vishnu behind the masquerade, is also situated in Thrikkakara. This captivating legend is artistically portrayed in “Suchindram Temple” located in Kanyakumari district.
The festival of Onam is celebrated throughout the state of Kerala. Kerala during Onam is marked by happiness, excitement and enjoyment among all sections of people. Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. The harvest festival of Kerala also called the festival of rain flowers is a ten-day long festival celebrated with fervor across Kerala. It is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala and is also observed by Malayali communities around the world. It is celebrated during Chingam (a month in Malayalam calendar) that usually starts between mid-August and lasts up to mid-September.
The festival is associated with the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to have ruled Kerala during a golden age of prosperity and righteousness. According to mythology, the kind-hearted King Mahabali defeated the Gods and began ruling over all three worlds. However, his growing popularity posed a threat to the gods, who feared his power. As a result, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and visited Mahabali to curb his power.
He was a generous and wise leader, but the Gods got insecure about his popularity. They asked Lord Vishnu to step in and help them out. Therefore, Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar – the Brahmin dwarf Vamana. Then, Vamana paid a visit to King Mahabali. The generous King asked the Brahmin what he wished for, to which Vamana responded, “Three pieces of land.” Then, Vamana grew in size, and grew larger than the planet earth, in his first he covered the earth and second steps, he covered the sky and the netherworld.
Onam commemorates King Mahabali’s annual homecoming. It is believed that during Onam, King Mahabali visits Kerala to check on the welfare of his subjects. The festival is celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm, featuring various cultural activities, rituals, and festivities.
One of the main highlights of Onam is the flower carpet known as “Pookkalam.” People create intricate designs and patterns using different flowers in front of their homes as a way to welcome King Mahabali. The size and complexity of the Pookkalam may vary, with larger designs being made for competitions. Women also wear traditional attire, and men participate in traditional games like Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and tug-of-war.
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