ONAM IS THE MAJOR FESTIVAL OF KERALA

Onam is one of the biggest festivals of India, which lasts long for 10 days, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) in the memory of the visit of the Asura King Mahabali. Grand processions, decoratively garlanded Pookalam, delicious Onam sadya, pulikali, boat race and unique kaikottikali (thiruvathira) dance are a few of the absolute most notable elements of Onam – the harvest festival of Kerala.

Mahabali (Maveli), an honest king, ruled Kerala throughout the early era. He had been a kind-hearted ruler who was famous among the people of Kerala. Everyone was happy during his kingdom.

The state was free from sorrow, poverty, and was full of prosperity. His fame rose even to paradise, and Indra became preoccupied because of his popularity among the people and his support. Indra and other Devas believed that Mahabali will conquer Paradise and rule in heaven. Because of the stress, they approached Maha Vishnu for find a solution to ending the era of Mahabali. After that Vishnu took an incarnation of a small Brahmin boy named Vamana.

Mahabali was the king famous for his support; he always fulfilled the wishes of everyone who arrived at his doorstep for anything. Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Vamana arrived at Mahabali’s kingdom and asked him for three feet of the land from his widely outspread kingdom. Mahabali laughed and agreed instantly.

Vamana enhanced his size and covered all the earth with the single foot, and the heaven in the second foot. Later, Vamana asked where to put the third feet, then Mahabali kneel down and showed his head for the third feet. Then, Vamana clamped Mahabali to the netherworld with the third feet. However, Mahabali loved the people of his kingdom and asked to visit his kingdom every year as a last wish. Vamana who is actually Maha Vishnu agreed to fulfill his wish. So, Onam is celebrated in Kerala in every year to welcome the king Mahabali’s return to Kerala to see his people.

Festival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

HAPPY ONAM TO ALL.............!!!