Onam is the biggest and the most significant festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

LEGEND OF ONAM

Just as in the case of many other festivals of India, there are several interesting legends behind the origin of Onam. The festival is celebrated by all in the state of Kerala, but Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala are the most spirited when it comes to Onam celebrations as they attribute its origin to their own community.

STORY OF KING MAHABALI

King Mahabali was an Asura (demon) king who was renowned for his wisdom and generosity. In his kingdom, he was highly regarded and respected by his subjects

The gods became quite concerned about the growing popularity of the King Mahabali and seeked the aid of Maha Vishnu, who was ardently worshiped by the demon king. Agreeing to help the gods, Maha Vishnu disguised in an avatar of a poor and dwarf brahmin, called Vamana visited King Mahabali’s kingdom. On meeting the king, Vamanas was given boons by the King Mahabali.

Maha Vishnu requested the King to give all the land he could cover with three steps. On hearing this, the King agreed to allot the land to Vamana. Immediately, the dwarf brahmin started growing into a massive giant. With one step he covered the whole sky and with the other step he managed to cover the whole land on earth. He then asked the King, where to place the third step. King Mahabali realized that this was no ordinary brahmin and requested Vamana to place his final step on his head.

Vamana did as requested and with the final step he pushed the King to the nether world, Patala. Maha Vishnu, deeply pleased with the generosity of the King granted him a boon. King Mahabali, who was highly attached with his people, wanted to visit Kerala and his people once every year. Maha Vishnu granted his wish without hesitation and its the King’s homecoming that is celebrated as Onam every year.

HOW IS ONAM CELEBRATED?

The festival of Onam brings along with it all the colours of Kerala-its history, its culture, its beliefs. Designing of beautiful flower carpets called Pookalam, preparation of banquet lunch, organization of snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance are the major attractions of the festival. One place that must be visited is Tripunithura, near Ernakulam in greater Kochi where Athachamayam festival is celebrated. People dress up as tigers and lions and dance at Swaraj Round in Thrissur. The boat race in Aranmula is another major attraction of the festival.

If one wishes to travel to Kerala to enjoy the fun and frolic of an Indian festival, then the best option would be the time of Onam. The interesting rituals associated with the festival contribute to making the celebrations of Onam a fascinating one.

WISH YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS AND HAPPY ONAM!!

Check out the video of the legend of Onam.