Onam – History, Significance, And Importance

Colourful Onam is the main festival of Kerala. It is the official festival of the state and a significant annual event for people in Kerala, featuring a variety of cultural activities. The Onam festival honours King Mahabali.

It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August – September) on Thiruvonam day: This festival heralds the end of the South-West Monsoon when nature is lush green in her vegetation and adorned in all her floral beauty. Onam is also a harvest festival, coming as it does at the end of the harvest season when people are in a jubilant mood.

History and significance of Onam

The origin of Onam can be traced to the Puranas, like the Bhagavata Purana, Vamana Purana, and so on. Bali or Mahabali was the king of Kerala. During his regime, the kingdom enjoyed peace and prosperity. This Asura or demon-king defeated Indra and conquered the heavens. Bali was a devout worshipper of Vishnu. The gods went to Vishnu for help. To help Indra, Vishnu was born to Aditi the mother of Indra with Prajapati Kashyapa as his father. Vishnu was born as a Vamana in the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.

Bali was extremely proud and conscious of his generosity. He held a yajna and none was refused his request. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, appeared, to put an end to the might of Bali. Sukracharya, the guru or spiritual guide of the Asuras already knew that Vamana was none other than Vishnu. He personally wanted Bali not to fulfil even the least request of Vamana. Bali welcomed Vamana to his yajnasala and requested him to ask anything from him as a sacrificial gift. Thus Bali ignored the warning of Sukracharya. Vamana asked for a piece of land that he could cover with his three steps. Bali generously agreed.

As soon as Bali poured the sacrificial water into the hands of Vamana, the dwarf turned into a colossus. His first step covered the heavens. The second step covered the whole earth and his body in the intervening space. There was no space left for the third step. Thrivikrama (Lord of Three strides) placed his third step on Bali’s head and sent him to the Pataloka (the nether regions). This interesting legend is depicted at the Suchindram temple in Kerala in the most artistic manner.

Significance of Onam

It is said that at Bali’s request Vamana gave him the necessary permission to come once a year to meet his people. On the eve of Thiruvonam, the 2nd and most important day of Onam, Bali comes to meet his people. On this occasion, the picturesque state of Kerala gives a symbolic welcome to their king, Bali. Houses are cleaned and decorated with flowers and lights. A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared. The eldest member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the household. The image of Vamana or Vairochana is installed in each house. Vamana is worshipped in the temple of Tiruvellikkara. He is shown here with his foot on Bali’s head. This temple is the centre of the Onam celebrations.

Onam celebration

The festival of Onam is celebrated with special emphasis in different places.

Onam boat Festival – Boat race in Kerala

It is at Onam that the formal boat races are held in Kerala. One can find boats in different shapes. The most popular boat races are held in Kottayam, Champakulam, and Aranmula. Huge, graceful boats are rowed by about a hundred oarsmen. The songs sung are typical in character as the rhythm of drums and the clash of cymbals vibrate from each boat. The boats are adorned with scarlet and green silk umbrellas. The number of umbrellas shows the affluence of the family. Gold tassels and coins can be seen hanging from umbrellas. People come from far and near to watch the boat race. It is a also major tourist attraction.

Kathakali dance and Elephant procession

At Shoranur, Kathakali dancers in gorgeous costumes enact the legends. A strikingly impressive procession of caparisoned elephants is taken out at Trichur.

It is presumed that Mahabali was most probably a Dravidian king, cherished by his people. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram was in all probability, his capital or the main port of his kingdom. It may be that he was conquered by the Indo – Aryans. The sociological factor behind the legend may be the fact that the Aryans defeated the non – Aryans and subjugated them. Then they gave the non – Aryan king permission to come to meet his own people. Onam generates income as it is a major tourist attraction and thus helps the economy of the state. It is a festival observed all over Kerala.