Onam- Kerala's favorite festival

Onam

Onam is the most well liked festival within the state of Kerala, India. Onam is the official state festival of Kerala. It's celebrated with joy and enthusiasm everywhere the state by Malayalees no matter religion, caste or creed. Consistent with a well-liked legend, the festival is widely known to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is claimed to go to Kerala at the time of Onam. Onam may be a 10-day-long festival celebrated within the beginning of the month of Chingam, the primary month of the Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August to September consistent with the solar calendar. Of the ten days, the primary day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruvonam are most vital of all.

Now how did Onam begin

The legend is of King Mahabali (popularly referred to as Maveli), a mythical king who ruled over Kerala. He was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered as wise, and very generous. Everybody was happy in His kingdom. There was no discrimination on the idea of caste or class. Rich and poor were treated equally. There was neither crime, nor corruption. Thanks to his popularity, the Gods became extremely concerned and jealous. They felt threatened and decided to finish his reign. They sent Lord Vishnu to earth within the sort of dwarf Brahmin. Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu requested Mahabali for 3 feet of land. Kind Mahabali granted him the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the dimensions of cosmic proportions. Together with his initiative, the Brahmin boy covered the entire of earth and with the opposite step he covered the entire of the skies. He then asked the King where is the space for him to stay the third foot. King Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to put his last tread on his head in order that he could keep the promise. The brahmin placed his foot on the top of the King and trampled Mahabali to the netherworld. There, the King requested Lord Vishnu to be allowed to go to his land, and other people once a year, and Vishnu granted him his wish. It's the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala that's celebrated as Onam per annum.

How they celebrate Onam

Elaborate feasts referred to as sadhya, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boat race (Vallam Kali) and concentric floral decorations (Athapookalam) are all a part of this dynamic festival. Malayalees make all the efforts to celebrate the festival during a grand way and impress their beloved King that they're happy and to wish him well. People buy new clothes and sweets during the celebration of Onam. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the festival made Onam the official State Festival of Kerala in 1961.

Rangoli that they make during Onam

They make a special sort of rangoli called pookalam, which is their tradition. It is made from flowers.‘Pookhalam’ is formed of two words. These are ‘poov’ meaning flower and ‘kalam’ meaning coloured sketches on the bottom . People of Kerala consider it auspicious to make Pookalam or Aththa-Poo during the festival of Onam.

People believe that the spirit of their dear King Mahabali visits Kerala during Onam festival. People of Kerala are engaged in making several arrangements for the Onam festival. Meanwhile, mostly adolescent girls prepare elaborate unique Pookalams to welcome their most beloved King Maveli.

Earlier people used many effort to collected flowers for creating and designing the Pookalam. Children got up very early within the morning. They gathered flowers in their small ‘Pookuda’ [basket] from the village gardens. lately , the trend is people have the choice to shop for flowers from the market. These flowers are available altogether sorts of shapes and hues .

There are Pookalam decoration competitions organised by various societies and groups in Kerala on Onam day. The competitions became extremely popular and that they witness huge public participation’s. Since these are extremely competitive events, big prizes are awarded in these contests. sizable amount of individuals assembles just to seem at the innovative and meticulously prepared art pieces.

The Pookalam features a beautiful design that's said to be created at the guts . Also, technology is employed hip in designing of the Pookalam. People first use the pc to organize the planning . Later, they implement an equivalent design for Pookalam on the ground . As a result, tons of your time and energy is saved. additionally , the designers can come up with stunning Pookalams.

Dances of  Onam

1)The intricately painted tiger costumes make Puli Kali an unforgettable spectate.

2)The refined movements of thiruvathirakali are enchanting and graceful.

Onam treats

1)Sarkara varatti

2)Ada Payasam

3)Sadhya:-

(i)Chips(Banana, Yam, Sharkara Peratty)

(ii)Pickles(Mango, lime)

(iii)Curry(Olan, Avial, Erissery, Kalan,Kichadi,Pachadi,Veg stew, Parippu,Sambar & Rasam)

(iv)Dry preparations(Thoran)

(v)Boiled rice

(vi)Papadams

(vii)Banana

(viii)Buttermilk

Special game of Onam only for strong people

An ancient style game, Kayyankali rewards strength and power. The game is a risky one even though use of any weapon or horses is strictly forbidden. Violence, blood and at times even death is part of a game in Kayyankali.

To play Kayyankali players divide themselves into two equal teams. Effort is made to keep the players of two teams well matched so that the competition is made stiff and challenging for each other. Spectators who assemble in large numbers to watch the ruthless match stand on both sides of the battle ground.

Till then bye and happy Onam

-Hitansh Jamneria