Onam

Onam

Onam is the festival of Kerala. The mythology believes that King Mahabali visits Gods own country every year during the festival of Onam. The legend goes that Vamana, the avatar of Krishna was a diminutive sadhu and going by his stature the benevolent King Mahabali offered him three gifts. Not knowing the greatness of Vishnu in the unassuming Sadhu, Mahabali generously offered him that three of his wishes would be granted.

With great love and care he cleansed the Vamans feet and washed them. He laid a huge spread of delicacies that is the feast or the Onam Sadhya. After food Vamana grew so large that he almost touched the skies. His feet claimed his first wish as the earth, the second wish was the skies and when he wanted to take his third step, Mahabali offered his head.

Vamana was a form of Lord Vishnu who marched his tirade against evil. But Mahabali belonged to the asura clan and hence it was necessary to temper his arrogance. Vamana acknowledged the mighty Kings devotion and gently pressed him to the third world beneath the earth. He also told him that he would be allowed to visit his Kingdom each year and would be welcomed by all Keralites with pomp and festivity.

Onam hence is religiously followed by all Keralites and their house is decorated with the typical flower rangoli or decoration. The traditional lamp is lit and people pray for prosperity and humility in all their families. Irrespective of different location all Keralites make the traditional sadhya (feast) which is spread on the banana leaf and the delicacies blend with the aroma of the plantain leaf. Wearing the traditional outfit and jewelry, families offer their prayers in the temple and eagerly await for their relatives.