Onam is a wonderful festival that celebrates the rich culture, heritage and diversity of Kerala, the southern state of India. Onam is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent and generous ruler who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar. Onam is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by all Malayalis and Keralites, regardless of their religion, caste or creed.
Onam falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam (August-September) according to the Malayalam calendar. This year, Onam will be celebrated from August 21 to August 30, 2023. The main day of Onam is Thiruvonam, which falls on August 29, 2023. On this day, people believe that King Mahabali visits Kerala to bless his subjects and see their prosperity.
Onam is a festival of many colors, flavors and activities. Some of the unique traditions and celebrations associated with Onam are:
- Pookalam: Pookalam is a beautiful floral arrangement made on the floor of every house and public place. It is made with fresh flowers of different colors and shapes. Pookalam symbolizes welcome and respect for King Mahabali. People start making pookalam from the first day of Onam (Atham) and add a new layer of flowers every day till Thiruvonam.
- Sadya: Sadya is a grand feast that is served on a banana leaf on Thiruvonam day. It consists of various vegetarian dishes, such as rice, sambar, avial, thoran, kalan, olan, pachadi, kichadi, erissery, pulissery, rasam, payasam and more. Sadya is enjoyed by everyone with their family and friends.
- Vallamkali: Vallamkali or snake boat race is a thrilling water sport that is held on the river Pampa in Alappuzha district. It involves hundreds of rowers in long and narrow boats that resemble snakes. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and umbrellas. The rowers sing traditional songs and compete with each other to reach the finish line. Vallamkali attracts thousands of spectators from all over the world.
- Pulikali: Pulikali or tiger dance is a folk art form that is performed by men who paint their bodies as tigers and leopards. They wear masks and costumes and dance to the beats of drums and music. Pulikali showcases the courage and strength of the people of Kerala.
- Thiruvathira Kali: Thiruvathira Kali or Kaikottikali is a graceful dance form that is performed by women in a circle around a lamp or a floral decoration. They wear traditional white sarees with golden borders and adorn themselves with flowers and jewelry. They sing songs in praise of Lord Shiva and Parvati and move their hands and feet in sync.
- Onakkodi: Onakkodi or new clothes are an essential part of Onam celebration. People buy new clothes for themselves and their loved ones as a sign of prosperity and happiness. They wear them on Thiruvonam day and visit temples, relatives and friends.
- Onapattu: Onapattu or Onam songs are melodious songs that are sung during Onam season. They express the joy and nostalgia of Onam festival. They also narrate the story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu. Some of the popular Onapattu are Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam, Thiruvona Pularithan, Poovili Poovili Ponnonamaayi and more.
Onam is a festival that brings people together and spreads love, peace and harmony. It is a festival that showcases the beauty, culture and spirit of Kerala. It is a festival that reminds us of our roots, values and traditions. It is a festival that fills our hearts with gratitude, hope and happiness.
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