Onam Festival

Onam is an annual Hindu festival celebrated over a ten-day period, typically falling between August and September. In the southern Indian state of Kerala, it holds special significance as a state festival, commemorating both a harvest celebration and the New Year. Although primarily observed in Kerala, it is also honored by Malayalis (Keralites) worldwide and recognized in certain regions of other Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Onam is a regional celebration observed by all Keralites, regardless of caste or religion.

Onam Festival (Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)

Origins and Legend

As with many other Hindu festivals, multiple legends explain the religious significance and reason for celebrating Onam. The most widely known among them is the story of King Mahabali’s devotion.

The Story of King Mahabali

Onam commemorates the return of King Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. King Mahabali conquered the three worlds—heaven, earth, and sky—by defeating the gods and gained power and dominion. Though the defeated gods sought help from Lord Vishnu, he refused to join the war, recognizing Mahabali as a faithful devotee and a just ruler. However, Lord Vishnu decided to test Mahabali’s devotion. One day, while Mahabali was performing a yagna (a Hindu ritual), Lord Vishnu approached him in the guise of a small boy named Vamana.

Vamana asked for land no larger than three of his steps. Mahabali’s guru, the wise Shukracharya, warned him that Vamana was none other than Lord Vishnu in disguise. Nevertheless, King Mahabali, disregarding his guru’s advice, accepted the request. Upon Mahabali’s consent, Lord Vishnu transformed into his Trivikrama form, meaning “he who took three steps.” With his first step, he covered the entire earth, including Mahabali’s kingdom. With his second step, he encompassed the entire sky. He then asked Mahabali where he should place his third step.

To demonstrate his absolute devotion, surrender, and loyalty, Mahabali offered his own head. Impressed by Mahabali’s generosity and selflessness, Lord Vishnu blessed him and sent him to another loka (realm). At the request of Mahabali’s people, Lord Vishnu granted him permission to return once every year to visit his subjects. This day of return—the tenth day of the festival—is officially recognized as Onam.

The Ten-Day Celebrations

The Onam festivities last for ten days, each with its own name and a unique combination of customs that evolve over time. The tenth day, Thiruvonam, is the main day of celebration.

• Day 1: Atham: This day marks the beginning of preparations for King Mahabali’s return. On this day, the construction of Pookalam—intricate, layered floral designs resembling rangoli—begins. Yellow flowers, typically placed at the center of the Pookalam, are reserved for this day. Over the ten days of Onam, a new ring or layer of flowers is added daily to the Pookalam, eventually forming a ten-ring design.

• Day 2: Chithira: People clean their homes and add another layer to the Pookalam, often using orange, cream, and yellow flowers.

• Day 3: Chodi: In addition to adding floral layers to the Pookalam, many people go shopping for new clothes, jewelry, and gifts.

• Day 4: Vishakam: Various competitions begin across Kerala, including athletics, Pookalam design contests, and artistic performances. People visit markets offering special prices to stock up on ingredients for the elaborate Onam Sadya feast.

• Day 5: Anizham: The Vallamkali Boat Races, featuring hundreds of rowers and thousands of spectators, commence. These are long snake-like canoe races. Additional flowers are added to the Pookalam designs.

• Day 6: Thriketta: People begin visiting their families, and some businesses start closing for the holiday. Fresh flowers continue to be added to the Pookalam.

• Day 7: Moolam: Festive dances begin in many parts of Kerala. By this time, the state is decorated with Pookalam and flower-adorned swings.

• Day 8: Pooradam: On this day, sacred images or idols (murtileri) of Lord Vishnu’s fifth incarnation, Vamana, who banished Mahabali but granted him annual return, are installed in temples and homes. These idols are placed at the center of the Pookalam, which by now should have eight layers.

• Day 9: Uthradom: Considered the eve of Onam, many people clean their homes and complete their shopping, as this day is considered ideal for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. That evening, it is believed that King Mahabali symbolically arrives among the people.

• Day 10: Thiruvonam (Main Day): This is the principal day of Onam celebrations. It is said that King Mahabali visits every home, so all spaces are kept clean and orderly. New clothes are worn, gifts are exchanged, the Onam Sadya feast is enjoyed, and completed Pookalam designs are displayed. Various competitions are also held across different parts of Kerala.

After Onam: Some observe an eleventh day, known as Avvittom or Third Onam, to mark the end of Onam and prepare for King Mahabali’s departure. On this day, the idols of King Mahabali and Vamana are immersed in the sea or a river, and the Pookalam are cleaned and removed. Celebrations such as boat races and Pulikali tiger games continue for several more days after Onam.

Symbolism and Traditional Activities of Onam

Onam encompasses numerous ceremonial elements that reflect the imagery of its ten-day festivities.

Pookalam (Floral Rugs)

Pookalam resembles rangoli but is typically more intricate and larger, as it is built layer by layer over ten days. Most Pookalam feature ten concentric rings of flowers, with the central yellow flowers symbolizing King Mahabali. Once completed, a miniature umbrella may be hung above the design to protect it from weather conditions.

Onam Sadya (Traditional Feast)

Onam Sadya is the traditional feast held on the tenth day of Onam. It is customarily served on banana leaves and typically consists of at least nine different dishes, mostly made from vegetables. Home-cooked meals and sweet desserts such as payasam (a type of pudding) are common delicacies.

Onam Sadya (Flickr)

Vallamkali Boat Races

Vallamkali Boat Races are also known as snake boat races. According to legend, these boats were originally used to protect food supplies being transported from river pirates to temples.

Onathallu (Martial Arts)

Onathallu is a traditional, friendly form of unarmed combat unique to Kerala. During Onam, Onathallu is performed to commemorate the struggle against betrayal and oppression.

Pulikali (Tiger Dance)

Pulikali involves artists painting their bodies to resemble tigers or leopards and dancing through the streets to the rhythm of traditional instruments. Dancers often wear masks and imitate tigers and leopards, receiving enthusiastic cheers from crowds.

Pulikali During Onam Festival in Kerala (Flickr)

Elephant Processions

Elephant processions are among the most anticipated events of Onam. Decorated with flowers, ornaments, and trappings, elephants parade through the streets, often “dancing” and interacting with the crowd.

Folk Dances and Games

Folk dances, as part of the festival, include various forms unique to Kerala and/or the Onam celebrations.

• Kaikottikali: A clapping dance performed by women, praising King Mahabali through song and movement.

• Thiruvathira Kali: A circular dance performed by women around a lamp.

• Kummattikali: A colorful masked dance in which performers visit homes and present theatrical acts.

• Onamkali: A dance form in which participants form circles around a pole, tree, or lamp and sing songs derived from the Ramayana and other epics.

• Kathakali: The most renowned folk dance, featuring performers with green-painted faces who enact famous legends and folk tales.

Thiruvathira Kali Performance (Flickr)

The games associated with the festival, known as Onamkali, include activities such as ball games, tug-of-war, and archery. In villages and rural areas, swings where young couples and children sing Onappaatt (Onam songs) are an integral part of Onam.