Thiruvonam

Onam is a major annual festival celebrated primarily in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It marks the harvest season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Malayalees around the world, irrespective of religion or caste. The festival usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for ten days, with the most significant day being Thiruvonam. Many temples in Kerala celebrate Thiruonam, the most famous being Thrikarai near Kochi

Religious Significance:

Mahabali was an Asura (demon) king who grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather, Prahlada, who instilled in him a strong sense of righteousness and devotion. Bali eventually succeeded his grandfather as the king of the Asuras, and his reign over the realm was characterized by peace and prosperity bringing the entire world under his benevolent rule. After accepting defeat at the hands of the Bali, Indra (the lord of the Heavens) and the Devas, approached their patron Mahavishnu and entreated him to restore their lordship over Heaven.

Vamana Avatar:

Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and asked Mahabali for land measuring three of his tiny feet. The benevolent king knowing it is Mahavishnu in the form of a dwarf, granted him the said land.  Vamana then grew to an immense size, and with his first pace, traversed the all of the earth and the worlds beneath and with his second pace, he covered Heaven in its entirety. Admitting defeat, and seeing that Vamana has no more room for his third and last step, Bali offered his own head as a stepping-stone Due to his devotion and generosity, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his people once a year and this is celebrated as Onam.

Pookalam is an intricate floral design made on the ground at the entrance of Keralan homes during the 10 days of festivities. It is created using various colorful flowers and grows in size and complexity each day of the festival.

Pookalam

Food and Culture:

Onam is famous for its grand feast called Onasadya, served on a banana leaf. This vegetarian meal consists of various dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pulissery, and payasam (a sweet dish). The meal is an essential part of the celebration and represents the abundance of the harvest.

The Vallamkali or Snake Boat Race is one of the most iconic events of Onam. Long, narrow boats called Chundan Vallams are rowed by teams of hundreds of oarsmen in a race that is both competitive and a spectacle to behold.

Onam is a time for various cultural activities, including traditional dances like Kathakali, Thiruvathira, and Pulikali (where performers paint themselves like tigers and dance). These performances are often accompanied by traditional music.

Onam symbolizes prosperity, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time when people come together to celebrate their traditions, regardless of their background, making it a festival of inclusivity and joy. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of a good harvest and the prosperity it brings.