Onam: Kerala's Colourful 10-Day Festival

Onam is a 10-day Hindu harvest festival celebrating the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who was sent to the underworld by Lord Vishnu. While Onam is observed by Malayalis and Keralites worldwide, it stands as the official festival of Kerala, characterised by cultural events, rituals, and a grand feast. In this blog post, we delve into five facets of Onam, shedding light on what makes it a uniquely vibrant festival.

The Legend of Mahabali and Vamana

The genesis of Onam traces back to the legend of Mahabali and Vamana, as cited in various Hindu scriptures. Mahabali, a generous and just king, reigned over Kerala and the three worlds. His prowess made the gods envious, leading them to dispatch Vishnu in the guise of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana. Vamana asked Mahabali for a piece of land measuring three feet. Once granted, Vamana expanded to cover both the earth and sky in two steps. For the third step, a devoted Mahabali offered his head, prompting Vamana to push him into the underworld. However, Vamana permitted Mahabali an annual visit to his kingdom. This cherished return is celebrated as Onam.

The Date and Time of Onam

Onam's timing is anchored in the Malayalam calendar, adhering to the solar cycle. It's commemorated during the 22nd nakshatra, Thiruvonam, in the month of Chingam, which typically aligns with August-September on the Gregorian calendar. Spanning 10 days, Onam commences on Atham and culminates on Thiruvonam. The pinnacle of the festival is Thiruvonam, marking Mahabali's symbolic return to Kerala. Notably, the exact date shifts yearly based on astronomical determinations.

The Significance of Onam

Onam venerates Kerala’s harvest, culture, and enduring spirit. It’s a period to convey gratitude to nature for its generous yields and to laud Mahabali's exemplary reign. The festival is a kaleidoscope of Kerala's traditions, encapsulating music, dance, art, cuisine, sports, and games. Onam transcends religious and regional divides, uniting individuals under a shared Malayali identity.

Rituals and Practices of Onam