Onam

 

Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala and by Malayalis across the world in the month of Chingom (August-September) – the first month in the Malayalam calendar. The festivities which last for 8-10 days include Athachamayam (colourful procession of elephants accompanied by traditional singers and dancers), Vallamkali (the famous snake boat race), Onathallu (wrestling), Pulikali (tiger dance), Oonjal swinging and an elaborate Onamsadya (special meal). One of the distinguishing rituals of Onam is the creation of the beautiful Onapookkalams or Pookkalams (flower carpets) and the installation of the Onathappan (a pyramidal structure made clay which is symbolic in nature).

Like all Indian festivals, Onam has many stories associated with it. One of the most widely known narratives is that of the King Mahabali (Maveli) and the Vamana (dwarf) avataar of Vishnu. #Vamana is said to have asked #Mahabali for land that he could measure in three steps. Mahabali granted his wish. In the first two steps, Vamana measured the heaven and the earth. Bali requested Vamana to put his foot on Bali’s head as the third step. Pleased with Mahabali’s greatness and benevolence, Vishnu granted him a boon. The king requested that he should be allowed to visit his kingdom once every year and since then Onam mark’s Mahabali’s annual return.

Read about Pongal and Sankranti at Cultural Samvaad.