It has its origins in Hindu mythology but “Onam” is celebrated by the wealthy and the poor irrespective of being a Hindu, Muslim or a Christian in Kerala. The ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September and signifies the beginning of the harvest season.
According to the legend, the gods plotted against Mahabli, the king – they wanted an end to his reign. They send Vishnu, the Hindu god as a dwarf Brahmin, Vamanan. He went to Mahabali and asked him for three steps of land. After his wish was granted he covered the whole land with his two steps and asked the king where to place the third step. To keep his word, the king offered his head. Vamanan pushed the king down into the earth. Pleased with his honesty the king was granted a wish in return that he could come and visit his land and the people every year on a particular day. On the day of Onam, people of Kerala join together to welcome back their vanquished king.
"Athappookkalam", a floral carpet is a symbolic gesture to welcome Mahabali.
Keralites prepare and serve a sumptuous meal on a plantain leaf along with the traditional kheer called “payasam”. It just reflects the Keralite's taste for all the beautiful things of life. The whole state comes alive with festivity and activity.
One of the main attractions of Onam, is the 'Vallamkali' or boat races of Aranmula. The oarsmen row traditional boats to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. It is the best time of the year to visit Kerala, God’s own country which comes alive with elephant processions, classical and folk dance performances in its lush greenery and experience the tranquil of mind. Having lived in many parts of India and abroad, the “Onam” festival brings back childhood memories of the unique spirit of celebration.
The “avial” that we had for last Sunday’s lunch at the restaurant was simply delicious and left me craving for another Onam lunch – aaaah but I need to watch the amount of cholesterol build-up with all the coconut.
According to the legend, the gods plotted against Mahabli, the king – they wanted an end to his reign. They send Vishnu, the Hindu god as a dwarf Brahmin, Vamanan. He went to Mahabali and asked him for three steps of land. After his wish was granted he covered the whole land with his two steps and asked the king where to place the third step. To keep his word, the king offered his head. Vamanan pushed the king down into the earth. Pleased with his honesty the king was granted a wish in return that he could come and visit his land and the people every year on a particular day. On the day of Onam, people of Kerala join together to welcome back their vanquished king.
"Athappookkalam", a floral carpet is a symbolic gesture to welcome Mahabali.
Keralites prepare and serve a sumptuous meal on a plantain leaf along with the traditional kheer called “payasam”. It just reflects the Keralite's taste for all the beautiful things of life. The whole state comes alive with festivity and activity.
One of the main attractions of Onam, is the 'Vallamkali' or boat races of Aranmula. The oarsmen row traditional boats to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. It is the best time of the year to visit Kerala, God’s own country which comes alive with elephant processions, classical and folk dance performances in its lush greenery and experience the tranquil of mind. Having lived in many parts of India and abroad, the “Onam” festival brings back childhood memories of the unique spirit of celebration.
The “avial” that we had for last Sunday’s lunch at the restaurant was simply delicious and left me craving for another Onam lunch – aaaah but I need to watch the amount of cholesterol build-up with all the coconut.
It sometimes make me wonder why the Indian government doesn't tap the season's tourist potential when the Kovalam beach and Thekkady is so popular in the west.
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