Onam Festival – Harvesting Joy in God’s Own Country

Onam is a famous festival celebrated by a lot of people but it is most popular in Kerala. In Kerala, Onam isn’t just a festival, it is more about the faith that people have in God. Apart from Kerala, this festival is widely celebrated in different parts of the country like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, etc. Onam relates to a mythical past and brings a lot of energy and faith in to worship. It also displays spirit of the people who celebrate this festival in a grand manner. In 2011, Onam will be celebrated worldwide on September 9.

Onam is also known as Harvest Festival and is the New Year for the Malyalam speaking Indians. On this day, the fields are decorated in a stunning way. Farmers celebrate as if they are on the top of the world. Just like most Indian festivals, Onam too has a myth surrounding it. Once, a kind king named Mahabali wanted to extend his kingdom through his good deeds and kindness. When he reached heavens, the Gods tried to hatch a plan against him. They sent Lord Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin as Vamana. The king was later impressed by Vamana and asked for a wish. Vamana then asked for three land spaces.

Onam customs vary from one region to other. The festival is celebrated for ten days and there are several activities on each day. These activities include worshipping the God in the morning, singing, dancing, boat racing, attending plays in theatres, dancing, etc. People dress up in the best clothes on these days and clean up their house thoroughly before Onam begins.

People who celebrate Onam decorate their using Rangolis made out of flowers. This Rangoli is called ‘Pookolam’. Onam isn’t just restricted to Kerala but it is enthusiastically celebrated by the Malyalam speaking people all over the world. Thiruvonam is the most important day of this festival where a sumptuous feast is made in every house. People never miss these feasts as various delicacies are prepared on this day. The main attraction of this festival is boat race where people gather in large numbers close to lakes and then enjoy these races.

This song is often sung during Onam; it is from the reign of Mahabali:

“maveli nadu vaneedum kalam,
manusharellarum onnupole
amodhathode vasikkum kalam
apathangarkkumottillathanum
kallavum illa chathiyumilla
ellolamilla polivachanam
kallapparayum cherunazhiyum
kallatharangal mattonnumilla
adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla
balamaranangal kelppanilla”