The Indian state of Kerala celebrated Onam on Monday, 23 August 2010. This is the biggest festival of the Malayali community where people from all castes and religions celebrate together. Grand festivities are organized by the tourism department and various other organizations.
During the 10-day long carnival, the mood in Kerala is festive. The famous Snake Boat Race in Kottayam, the traditional Pookalam (flower carpets), and mouth watering Keralite food are integral part of the festival.
Onam Celebration
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. The Keralites decorate their homes with floral carpets, which are known locally as Pookalam. The festival is marked by cultural events like the famous Kathakali dance, the spectacular parades of caparisoned elephants, the fireworks, and the famous Snake Boat Race in Kottayam that pulls in crowd across the world. Hundreds of oarsmen row traditional snake-shaped boats to the rhythm of drums and cymbals.
The locales gather in 'Onasadya', a sumptuous feast of authentic Kerala cuisine. The home-cooked food, the sweet payasam, and new clothes for the whole family are important features of the festival. The government of Kerala has aptly declared the Onam as the “tourism weekend” of Kerala.
The Origin of Onam
Onam originated as a homecoming celebration of the legendary king Mahabali or Bali. The king ruled Kerala long ago and people used to live in peace, harmony, and prosperity under his rule.
According to Hindu beliefs, the gods plotted against King Mahabali to end his rule in his kingdom. Vaman, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was sent to the king. Vaman asked for as much land as he could travel in three steps from King Mahabali. The king agreed to it, but Vishnu covered the whole earth in two steps and asked for place to keep his third feet.
The king offered his head to keep his third feet. Before sending him to the netherworld, Vishnu asked Mahabali for his last wish and was given the permission to visit his kingdom in Kerala once a year. Onam is the festival of this homecoming celebration of king Mahabali. All the people decorate their home with flower carpets, called Pookalam, to welcome the king back home.
Although, Onam has originated in Hinduism, people of all castes, creeds and religions celebrate Onam with the equal flavor. The cultural extravaganza and the merriment of Onam bring together people from all spheres of life to celebrate the joy of life.
Sources:
Times Of India, Accessed on 23 August 2010.
TOI, Accessed on 23 August 2010.
