Celebrating Onam2023: A Blend of Myth, Harvest, and Happiness in Kerala

 

Celebrating Onam2023:  A Blend of Myth, Harvest, and Happiness in Kerala

The lively festival of Onam paints Kerala with vibrant colors and a contagious atmosphere of joy. During this time, the entire state comes alive with happiness, and people from all walks of life share in the excitement. The roots of Onam are intertwined with ancient stories and farming traditions.

 Let's step into the mythological realm first. Imagine King Mahabali, or Maveli, a kind-hearted ruler who once governed Kerala. Under his wise rule, the kingdom thrived, which made the gods up in the heavens a bit envious. Adding fuel to their jealousy was the fact that Mahabali was an asura, a member of the demon clan, known as adversaries to the heavenly deities. So, they hatched a plan and sent Lord Vishnu down to Earth, disguised as a dwarf named Vamana.

 In a gesture of generosity, Vamana asked Mahabali for just three feet of land. But here's where things took a divine turn. With each step Vamana took, he grew to enormous proportions, covering all the worlds in just two steps. Left with no place for the third step, Mahabali offered his head to Vamana. Touched by Mahabali's selflessness, Vamana granted him a boon and sent him to the netherworld, permitting him to visit his beloved people once a year. This touching occasion is what Keralites now celebrate as Onam.

 The second reason behind Onam's festivities lies in its connection to the bountiful harvest season. It's that time of year when Kerala's fields are laden with the fruits of hard work, leading to abundance and delight.

 The jubilant celebrations of Onam span across ten days, commencing with the appearance of the atham asterism in the Chingam month of the local calendar, which typically falls in August or September.

Throughout these ten days, Kerala pulsates with unity and jubilation. It's a time when the rich tapestry of myth, tradition, and harvest intertwine, creating a celebration that's as colorful and diverse as the state itself.

Onasadya - The Traditional Feast

The Sadya, a term denoting a festive feast in Malayalam, unfolds its culinary delights on a banana leaf canvas. This banquet presents an array of 29 dishes that can flex and adjust in numbers. The banquet dances to the rhythm of Onam's heart, with components like fragrant rice, hearty sambar, crispy chips, delectable Sharkaravaratti, zesty Injipuli, delicate pappadam, wholesome Avial, subtle Olan, tangy pickle, comforting dal, vibrant Thoran, golden ghee, soothing rasam, flavorful Puliseri, rich Erisheri, colorful Pachadi, creamy coconut chutney, refreshing Moru, and wraps up with the sweet embrace of velvety Payasam.

 In certain customs, a dignified Palmyra tree, cloaked in dry leaves and enclosed by a wooden balustrade, rises in temple courtyards. This symbolic structure gets ignited, its flames illuminating the night as it eventually turns to ashes, commemorating Mahabali's noble sacrifice. Meanwhile, a charming swing takes center stage in rural areas, suspended from lofty branches. This whimsical apparatus becomes a conduit for joy as young men and women indulge in merry rounds of Onapaatu songs, swaying together on the swings, capturing the essence of celebration.

10 days of onam 2023

Onam celebration spans over 10 days with numerous festivities. It is observed by most Hindus in its pure traditional form. The first ten days of Onam are the most important which begins with Atham.

Onam festival celebration 

Atham (20 August 2023) Kicking off the Onam festivities on Atham, the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple in Kochi becomes the heart of action. The day bursts into life with a splendid procession known as Athachamayam. This marks the start of Mahabali's anticipated return to his kingdom. The iconic Pookalam, a floral carpet, graces the scene, sporting a single layer of vibrant yellow petals. This layer grows day by day as Onam unfolds. Mahabali and Vamana statues find their places on the courtyards, amid the earth-plastered front of homes.

Chithira (21 August 2023) Day two, Chithira, welcomes the addition of two more layers to the Pookalam, now adorned with orange and creamy yellow flowers. With fresh energy, homes receive a thorough cleaning, and temples witness a steady stream of visitors seeking blessings.

Chodhi (22 August 2023) Chodhi, the third day, brings forth the tradition of donning new attire, known as Onakkodi. Women grace themselves in Kasavi Sarees, while men embrace the traditional mundu. Young girls twirl in colorful Pattu Pavadas. A collective spirit of shopping and gifting jewelry and clothes fills the air. The Pookalam reaches a new layer, harmonizing with the growing festive fervor.

Vishakam (23 August 2023) A highly auspicious day, Vishakam, sets the wheels in motion for the grand Onasadya feast. Women step into action, gathering ingredients for the lavish meal. Markets buzz with life as the harvest sale season unfolds. Kitchen counters groan under the weight of culinary creations, as families assemble a mouthwatering array of 26 to 30 dishes, generously adorning the traditional plantain leaf.

Anizham (24 August 2023) As the vibrant Vallamkali, or Snake Boat races, grace the Pamba River, the Pookalam follows suit, growing larger and more intricate, mirroring the festive enthusiasm.

Thriketa (25 August 2023) Fresh petals find their way into the Pookalam once more, enhancing its beauty. Families embrace tradition by visiting ancestral homes, sharing precious moments, and exchanging heartfelt gifts.

Moolam (26 August 2023) Temples extend their arms in the spirit of Onasadya, and families prepare a condensed version of the grand feast. Pulikali and Kaikottukali performances splash color and energy across Kerala, signaling the festival's lively essence.

Pooradam (27 August 2023) Pooradam sees the central installation of clay statues, Onathappam, representing Mahabali, nestled within the blossoming Pookalam. This act symbolizes an open invitation to Mahabali, a gesture of welcome to each household. The Pookalam becomes an intricate masterpiece.

Uthradam (28 August 2023) The atmosphere peaks as Uthradam, the eve of Onam, arrives. It's the perfect day to gather fresh produce. Traditional beliefs hold that Mahabali touches down in Kerala on this day, so homes sparkle with cleanliness, and final Onam shopping completes the scene.

Thiruvonam Onam (29 August 2023) The grand finale, Thiruvonam Onam, dawns with rice flour batter decorating house entrances, a warm and traditional welcome. A refreshing shower and new clothes lift spirits, and acts of charity reach out to the less fortunate. The day heralds the culmination of Mahabali's visit, as he blesses each Kerala family. The Pookalam's layers meld into a stunning whole, and families gather to revel in the sumptuous Onasadya feast.