Onam: Celebration of Joy and Festivity

AGRITA CHHIBBER

Onam (IPA: [om]) is an annual harvest festival in India mostly observed by Keralan Hindus. It is the official festival of the state and a significant annual event for Keralites. It features a variety of cultural events.

Kerala is preparing to celebrate Onam, the most important holiday. The event will be held over ten days from August 20 through August 31, 2023. The festival of Onam also marks the beginning of the standing crop harvest season. The day commemorates the legendary King Mahabali’s return to his homeland.

The celebration honours King Mahabali on his return, and several legends and tales surround the King’s journey. The festival’s first day, Atham, is followed by Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, and Uthradam, culminating on the tenth day, Thiruvonam.

Each day of the festival has its own significance. Based on the Panchangam, Onam is celebrated on the 22nd of the month Chingam of the Malayalam calendar, which in the Gregorian calendar occurs between August and September.

History

The celebration certainly dates back a long time, but it wasn’t until much later that it was closely associated with Hindu mythology. Onam may have a long religious background and history in Kerala and the surrounding regions of South India, according to literary and epigraphic evidence.

चोकुयन्ते पृथुकततयश्चापतादिन्य उच्चैः सर्वानार्यःपतिभिरनिशम् लम्भयन्त्यर्थकामान्।

बभ्रम्यन्ते सकलपुरुषैर्वल्लभाभ्यः प्रदातुम् चित्रम् वस्त्रम् श्रावणकुतुकम् वर्तते केरळेषु॥

Gangs of lads, playing their bows hoot loudly again and again; All women make their husbands provide wealth and pleasure; All men are wandering hither and thither to present beautiful garments to their women. The festivity of ‘Sravana’ takes place in Kerala.

According to Hindu mythology, monarch Mahabali was a demon monarch, yet despite this, through his kindness and love, he won the hearts of the people of Kerala. Many historical texts mention how Kerala grew prosperous and powerful under his rule. Some states’ residents even think Mahabali’s dominion rendered Gods powerless, which makes them uneasy.

The gods appeal to Lord Vishnu for assistance in overcoming it. Lord Vishnu, who was Mahabali’s favourite, assumed the appearance of the dwarf Vamana to conquer the king, who was thus compelled to abdicate.

Dates and festivities during the Onam festival

The final day of the 10-day Onam celebration, known as Thiruvonam, is celebrated. According to the Drik Panchang, this year’s Thiruvonam will take place between August 29 at 2.43 am and August 30 at 11.50 pm.

Day 1

The Onam funfair lasts for ten days, with Atham marking the start of the festivities. Since Atham falls ten days before Onam or Thiru Onam, the traditional people of Kerala see it as a holy and lucky day.

People take an early bath and offer prayers in the neighbourhood temple to finish the Atham ceremonies. Additionally, Atham receives a prepared breakfast that includes steaming bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). The tenth and last day of Thiru Onam is when this breakfast is served. Children enjoy swinging and singing Oonjal (swing) songs while a swing is hung from a high limb and decorated with flowers.

Day 2

The second day of the ten-day Onam festival is known as Chithira. Although there are no clearly defined traditions for the day, people nevertheless pray to ask for divine benefits.

The significance of the day for girls is that they will continue to add flowers to Pookalam, which they began on the day of Atham. They must thus let their imaginations run wild and come up with the most original and unique design. The task of arranging flowers for the females will fall to the male household members. Everyone wants to invite Lord Maveli to their home, so they compete to make the tastiest pookalam in the community.

Day 3

The third day of the ten-day Onam festival is referred to as Chothi or Chodi. The day is filled with activity and commotion. The state’s markets are filled with frantic shoppers as everyone buys new clothing and accessories in preparation for the important festival of Onam. Everyone in the home, including the servants, is given a gift. Additionally, some shopping is done for immediate family.

Shop owners use creative incentives to entice clients who are in the mood to spend money in response to the festival’s growing media hype. Even retailers selling electronic goods now provide enticing discounts in an effort to capitalise on the festive spirit.

Day 4

The fourth day of the Onam celebrations is known as Vishagam or Visakam. There is a distinct sense of excitement among Keralans since there are now only a relatively small number of days until the important days. On the day of Visakam, brisk home and market activity can be seen.

On Visakam, the women who would be responsible for preparing the sumptuous Onasadya dinner for Thiruvonam, begin their preparations. It is now time to start making various pickles and pappadams (papad), among other things.

Day 5

The fifth day of Onam festivities is known as Anishham. The big Snake Boat Race competition, or Vallamkali, which is held on the fifth day of Onam, is the highlight of the day. The wildly famous competition takes place at Aranmulla along the Pamba River. Many local and foreign tourists travel to see the vibrant sight of the race.

Day 6

The sixth day of the Onam festival is referred to as Triketta or Thriketa. The people of Kerala are currently experiencing a sense of excitement and gladness. Different cultural societies across the state organise cultural events and social gatherings. Onam is now regarded as a secular celebration, and people of all faiths, castes, and creeds attend these events. Onam is recognised as the National Festival of Kerala by the Indian government as well.

Day 7

Moolam is the seventh day of the festival of Onam which continues for ten days. With just two days left for the festival now, enthusiasm grips the state of Kerala. Bright colours of the festivities can be seen in commercial areas of the state where the shops are loaded with goods and people are jostling for a space. There is hustle and bustle everywhere as excited people do their last bit of shipping.

What is even more apparent on the faces of millions of people of Kerala is the spirit of joy and happiness. People get the feel that the time to meet their Onathappan has just come. A year long wait is going to be over and there will be celebrations all around.

Day 8

The eighth day of the ten-day Onam festival is known as Pooradam. The day is significant for Onam celebrations. A Ma is a miniature pyramid-shaped clay idol made by devotees. The idol is also known as Poorada Uttigal because it is made on the day of Pooradam. Flowers are used to embellish each Ma.

Day 9

Utradam, also known as Uthradam, is the ninth and last day of the Onam festival. People are celebrating everywhere as they get ready to receive King Mahabali’s spirit. Onam celebrations begin in full force in various parts of Kerala as early as Utradam. On that day, there is a holiday. Some people also refer to Utradam as the first Onam and Thiru Onam as the second Onam the next day.

Day 10

Aashamsakal Thiruvonam! On the tenth and most significant day of the carnival of Onam, people share warm greetings of the occasion as the picturesque state of Kerala echoes with the cries of “To everyone, Onam Wishes” (Onaashmsakal). Many people think that the mythical King Mahabali makes a trip to Kerala during Thiru Onam.

Early in the morning, things get going. People tidy up their homes, take early showers, put on fresh clothes, and attend special prayers that are held first at their homes and then at nearby temples. Later, Pookalam gets ready to greet Maveli on one of the largest and most special days ever. Before the Pookalam, clay pyramid-shaped mounds that stand in for Lord Vishnu and Mahabali are prepared.

Happy Onam!

Agrita Chhibber is from Jammu.

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