Onam is the most popular festival in Kerala and is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is believed to be the National festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated each year in the month of August-September which according to the Malayalam calendar is the first month of the year called Chingam. The festivities of the Onam last for ten days in which old and young participate with equal enthusiasm.
The word Onam is originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which refers to one of the 27 Nakshatars or constellations. In South India, Thiru is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Thiruvonam is the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.
Onam is celebrated by the Malayalis all over India and the world but it is primarily celebrated in Kerala in India where its glitter is equivalent to that of a national festival.
History
Onam is celebrated to honour the home-coming of a mythical-demon king Mahabali. Mahabali was a demon but he was known for being generous and kind-hearted. Gods were very insecure about the popularity of the demon king and so, they asked help from Lord Vishnu. As, Mahabali worshipped Lord Vishnu so, Vishnu told Gods that he would aid them but did not involve in a battle with Mahabali.
Lord Vishnu transformed into a poor dwarf Brahmin called Vamana and went to Mahabali’s kingdoms, asking for three wishes. He asked Mahabali for property right over a piece of land which measured ‘three paces’. Mahabali agreed to fulfil Vamana’s desire.
Other names of Onam
Onam is called Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam (Sacred Onam Day). Another name for the festival is the ‘Sravanmahotsav’.
Dishes
The cooking of elaborated meals Known as Onam-Sadya is an important part of the Onam festival. These meals served on Banana leaves include rice along with at least 4 varieties of dishes along with traditional pickles and papadam and dessert called ‘payasam’.
Ten Days of Onam
The festival of Onam lasts for ten long days and each day has a unique name, significance and different activities attached to it:
Day 1 (Atham)
This is the first day of Onam when Mahabali supposedly starts his preparation to head towards earth. It is marked by the beginning of designing Pookalam (only with Yellow flowers), the size of which eventually grows with each day. The statues of Vamana and King Mahabali are also installed in houses.
Day 2 (Chithira)
The second day adds another layer of flowers to Pookalam and cleaning of houses starts on Chithira.
Day 3 (Chodi)
Along with the addition of flowers to Pookalam, People start their shopping at this day.
Day 4 (Vishakam)
This day marks the beginning of several competitions that are held during Onam.
Day 5 (Anizham)
This is the day when Vallamkali Boat Race starts in many parts of Kerala.
Day 6 (Thriketa)
By this time most of schools get closed and people start devoting all their time to the celebrations.
Day 7 (Moolam)
This is the seventh day in the Onam celebrations. At several places Ona Sadya and the dances related to the festival starts being performed. The state has been decorated beautifully by this time.
Day 8 (Pooradam)
This is a day when the statues of Vamana and King Mahabli are washed and installed in the middle of the Pookalam which is very big in size now.
Day 9 (Uthradom)
The ninth day or the eve of Onam is of a great significance. People buy fresh vegetables and women cook the traditional meals which are very grand. King Mahabali, it is believed reaches the state of Kerala this day.
Day 10 (Thiruonam)
This is the final day when all the preparations are culminated into final celebrations. People take bath early in the morning, distribute gifts and special prayers are held in temples. The grand Thiruona Sadya (Onam Special Meal) is prepared in all the households. Several competitions are held in the different parts of Kerala.