Yards adorned with the prettiest of flowers and lush greens, while the onathumbis (picture wing dragon flies) dancing to the tunes of breeze adding beauty to the golden rays of sun, marking the arrival of a new day – Onam is here.
The nature is set to celebrate Onam, wherever you turn there are flowers to feast your eyes. The air is filled with the sweet scents of the blooms and fresh harvests as if the earth itself is preparing for the auspicious occasion. Malayalees all over the world are in high spirits to celebrate the return of their King.
The Legend of Onam
Onam is celebrated by Malayalees all over the world irrespective of their religion and beliefs. It is the celebration of prosperity since it is the period when harvest takes place. The Malayalam month of Karkkidakam, is known as the period of distress, since it will be rainy and people can’t go out and work in their fields for a long period of time. They will struggle with diseases and shortage of food. This was the scenario in the olden times. After the hardships of Karkkidakam comes Chingam, with clear skies and abundance in agriculture. Chingam also indicates the arrival of the beloved King Mahabali who visits his beloved people once a year.
According to the legend, Mahabali was the demon king who ruled Kerala. He was known to all worlds due to his wisdom, excellent governance and generosity. It was said that during his term as King the land was prospering in every field, the people lived in harmony, peace and content. There was no poverty, dishonesty or hunger due to his governance and it is also said that the life expectancy of people grew beyond the normal.
The news spread across the worlds and it concerned Lord Indra, he feared that Mahabali’s might will overpower the Gods and also disrupt the natural balance of the world. Lord Indra sought help from Lord Vishnu to find a resolution to restore the balance. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamanan, a young Brahmin dwarf and went to meet King Mahabali during a ritual where the King was granting wishes and giving alms to the needy. Vamanan had a simple request for the King, three foot of land he can cover. Despite being warned that Vamanan might not be an ordinary man, the generous King agreed to it and told him that, he can set foot wherever he wishes.
The next instant Vamanan grew enormous and his first covered the entire world and the second step, the heavens. He asked Mahabali where to place the third step since there is no place left. Mahabali realized the presence of Lord Vishu and offered him his own head to make the third step. He was pushed down to Pathalam (underworld). Before that Lord Vishnu asked the King whether he have a last wish. For that Mahabali replied, he would love to visit his people one in a year, and the wish was granted.
Every year during the month of Chingam, the beloved King of Kerala pays a visit to his people. We celebrate his arrival by adorning the front yards with pookkalam (flowerbeds), onakkodis (new attires), boat race, feasts and many more.
Share the joy of Onam with a gift
During Onam visiting our loved ones sharing happiness through gifts is a cherished tradition. Here are some thoughtful Onam gift ideas to spread the festive joy:
Onakkodi:
Onakkodi is the dress we purchase during Onam. Kodi in Malayalam translates to attire. For women, gifting Kerala traditional Kasavu sarees, mundum neriyathum (traditional two-piece clothing resembling a saree), skirt and top is the norm. For men, gifting Kasavu mund (dhoti), neriyath (upper garment) and shirts are a common practice.
Ashtamangalyam:
Ashtamangalyam consists of eight items that is believed to bring prosperity. The ashtamangalyam is used in various auspicious occasions like marriages and religious practices. There are many items that can be a part of ashtamangalyam according to the event. The items usually used are nirapara (filled with paddy), niranazhi (vessel used to measure paddy), lamp, vaal kannadi (tailed mirror), kumkum, sandal, kanmashi (Kajal), Kasavu mund or washed pure white cloth, jewelry or coins of gold or silver, coconut, arecanut and betel leaf and banana and jaggery.
Miniatures:
Miniatures of Thrikkakara appan (an embodiment of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana form), lamps, nirapara, niranazhi, kadhakali, uruli (shallow vessel traditionally made of brass) and chundan vallam (snake boats) can be gifted during Onam to share a piece of culture and tradition.
Onam Hamper:
Onam hamper can be made with different Onam snacks like banana chips, kaliyadakka, achappam, kuzhalappam and the list goes on. It is a tradition to prepare snacks during Onam and share it with family and friends.
Aranmula Kannadi:
Aranmula Kannadi is considered as an auspicious mirror, made out of metals. The mirror is only made in Aranmula, a holy destination where the Parthasarathi temple is situated in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The secret ratio of the metal alloy is known only to a few families who traditionally manufacture it.
Feast:
Onasadya, or the feast of Onam is the best gift you can give for anyone. The grand Onam feast consist of around twenty dishes. However, the number of dishes can go up to more than fifty in the feast offered at Aranmula Parthasarathi temple in accordance with the spectacular boat race. The feast with diverse flavors, textures and the different types of payasam (dessert usually served hot) is enough to fill the tummy and minds.
Spread the love and embrace harmony
Spread the love and embrace harmony during this Onam. As you celebrate, make the best memories with your loved ones and share the joy of the festival. Reflect on the lessons from the great King Mahabali, his generosity and kindness were the cornerstones of his prosperous reign. By embodying these virtues in our own lives, we can bring prosperity and positivity to ourselves and those around us. May the festival inspire us to live with a spirit of generosity and kindness, enriching our lives and the lives of others.
