subject: Kerala Festival Onam Celebration [print this page] In Gods own country, it is harvest time now it is the time for welcoming the beloved King Mahabali it the time for showcasing the cultural richness of Keralam it is the time for festivities and food.
Harvest season
Since time immemorial, man has been cultivating land, harvesting his product and celebrating life. Small wonder the historicity of many traditions have been lost in time This being the harvesting season in Kerala, it is time for fulfillment as grains are in plenty and therefore it is a time to celebrate.
Legend of Mahabali
Legend has it that there once lived a benevolent king in the prosperous land of Kerelam called Mahabali. He was known far and wide as the most kind and giving of monarchs, like dayavan Raja Harishchandra.
Such was his greatness that Lord Vishnu decided to test his kindness. So the Lord incarnated himself as Vamana (a short statured brahmana) and arrived at the doorsteps of the great raja and asked him are alms. The king being a man of gold offered him whatever he needed. The vamana insisted that needed just three footsteps of land and not an inch more. The king gladly agreed.
It was now time for Lord Vishnu to show his mightwith one step the whole of earth got covered and with the second step the Heavens (Dev Lok) got taken. Now what? The vamana still a footstep of land left to be taken the king though aghast at the turn of events, offered his head as the stepping stone.
Lord Vishnu did so and Bali was pushed to the underworld, the paatal, by the force of Lord Vishnus foot.
But such was his righteousness that Mahabali was blessed with the boom of visiting his followers and beloved countrymen once a year. That time is now, Onam time.
Thus, the average Malayalee decorates her home (pookalam), prepares the choicest of food (onam sadhya) and dances in gay abandon and with due reverence (Kaikottikali) as a fitting welcome to her dear king.Mahabali!
Mahabali lives on...
The legend lives on as people dress up as the great Mahabali
Snake Boat Race
A good harvest also means it is time for a break from the agricultural work and time for some entertainment. The Snake boat race is a fascinating exhibition of energy, talent, spirit of competition and the joy of victory and a spirit of sportsmanship in defeat!
The pretty Pookalam patterns
No Onam celebration is complete without the display of artistry that goes into the making of the floral rangoli. Notice the perfect symmetry in the geometric patterns and curve styles.
The Kaikottikali dance
The rice is ripe and cut, the stores are full with grain, the beloved King Mahabali is on his way to Gods Own Country why then should I not dance and express my joy? Women do the traditional Kaikottikali dance.
Onam Sadhya
How else to welcome our beloved King Mahabali than doing so with the choicest of food? Oh mighty king, we are blessed to have you among us
