Onam festival is a “popular major Hindu festival in Kerala,” according to Christine Frost, but by other communities that have “much. Energy and enthusiasm among Hindus”.Onam originates in the Sanskrit word Shravanam, which refers to one of the 27 Nakshatras constellations.
The word Thiru in South India; Thiru is employed to refer to anything to do with Lord Vishnu’s belief to be the case that Thiruvonam could be one of the Nakshatra for Lord Vishnu who dragged King Mahabali to the underworld by his feet. The festival of Onam Festival aims to honor the legend of King Mahab,ali’s desire to visit his country and the people regularly, Celebrations mark the end of the monsoon, and we look forward to the harvest. Kerala is an entirely new world of exotic flavors with exquisite scents.
The celebrations and celebrations of the festival will fill your soul happy and Body dance to the lively rhythms. It is a beautiful celebration in India with enthusiasm, excitement, and joy for all ages. And a stunning spectacle of beauty for tourists to enjoy when Onam.
The celebration has an ancient history and Hindu mythologies from a later time. The first reference to this is in Maduraikanchi, an old Tamil poem in Sangam literature. It also includes Onam by Madurai temples. Since that time, a variety of temple inscriptions detail the celebrations of the Onam Festival.
This date has its roots in Panchangam that falls on the 22nd day of Nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam of the Malayalam calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls between August-September. The celebrations celebrate the Malayalam New Year, which is spread over ten days and ends with Thiruvonam.
Ten days of celebration are consecutively named Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. The first and the final day are significant to Kerala and also to Malayalee communities throughout the world.
Onam festival history, Legends, and significance
The evidence from epigraphy and literature indicates the possibility that Onam Festival has a long-standing religious background and history in Kerala and the surrounding regions that comprise South India.
1. The 9th-century Pathikas and Pallads by Periyazharwar discuss Onam festivals and offerings to Vishnu as well as festivities and feasts.
2. An 11th-century inscription in the Thrikkakara Temple (Kochi) to Vamana, the avatar of Vishnu, and a saga of offerings offered by a votary two days before and during Thiru Onam.
3. Uddanda Sastrikal is a Sanskrit writer from the Court of Zamorin and has written about a festival known as Sravana. It is not other than Onam since Sravana refers to the Sanskrit name for the Nakshatra Thiruvonam.
4. A 12th-century inscription on the Tiruvalla Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Kerala dedicated to Vishnu, mentions Onam and states that in the form of an Onam Festival offering.
5. in Maduraikanchi, one of the Sangam period Tamil poems. It speaks of Onam in Madurai temples, where within temple premises. At temples, people dressed in new clothing and feasted.
6. A 16th-century European memoir describes Onam. It notes, among other things, that Onam Festival is celebrated every year in September. Malayali residents decorate their families’ homes with floral arrangements and then cover them with cow’s dung in the belief of its positive association with goddess Lakshmi.
Based on Kurup, Onam has traditionally been the name of a Hindu temple-based festival for several days.
Legend-
Onam The story has a connection to the level of King Mahabali in the Golden age of his rule. The tale of the Onam festival recounts the jealousy of Mahabali and the Gods who reside on Mahabali. Also, the Onam Festival story on Mahabali along with Vamana Avatar.
Mahabali was the King of India. Mahabali was an Asura Emperor who used to rule Kerala in the ancient past. He was a popular choice for the people as Mahabali was highly sensible, vigilant, and well-liked by his subjects. Legend has it that the rule of Mahabali was a symbol of the King’s power. Mahabali is a glorious age for Kerala. Under Emperor Mahabali, the people were free of all sorrows, hardships, and ailments.
In the monarchy, people were happy. In Kerala, equality was thriving. And The crime and corruption ratio fell to zero. Everyone was content, comfortable as well as satisfied. Mahabali was born in the demon-dominated family known as Asura and was a genuine lover of the God Lord Vishnu. King Mahabali’s father is “Veerochana,” and his grandfather was “Prahlad,” who was born to the monster “Hiranyakashyap.” Mahabali has a son named “Bana,” who later appeared as a magnificent monarch. Because of his character’s determination and his bravery, the people called him “Mahabali – the King of Kings” or “Mahabali Chakravarthy” by his people.
According to folklore, Mahabali was very kind and generous. Anybody who sought his assistance or any other help and. Because of Mahabali’s growing popularity and fame, Gods got furious and jealous. Their dominance was at stake, and they began thinking about the best strategy to take on Mahabali. To control the emerging reign of Mahabali, the King Mahabali, and to preserve their sovereignty. Aditi was Mother of Gods,
He sought the help of Lord Vishnu (the Hindu trinity’s guardian), whom Mahabali utilized to worship. To challenge the King’s generosity, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a desperate brahmin from the dwarf category Vamana. It is the crucial aspect of the legend behind this Onam festival. On the festival of Vamana, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as an unworthy Brahmin and asked for a parcel of property from Mahabali. The kind Mahabali accepted to give him the land he wanted. The Brahmin requested the only piece of land that Brahmin’s three steps could cover. Mahabali was astonished, but he agreed.
A wise advisor, Shukracharya, felt that the Brahmin was not an average person and warned the King not to break the pledge. However, the King contemplated reprieve from the sinner and asked the dwarf to show him the land he desired. Mahabali did not realize the reality that this dwarf Brahmin was nothing but Vishnu himself. Once Mahabali decided to fulfill his pledge, Vamana expanded his body to attain galactic dimensions. Vamana covered all the planets in the initial step, followed by the sky in the next step, and then asked the Emperor to whom he would move next.
Mahabali realized that the Mahabali was not an ordinary being and that a dwarf could devastate the earth with just a third step. The Emperor, folding his hands, kneeled in front of him and asked him to place his third foot on his head. The Brahmin was able to step on the head of the Emperor and was thrown into the Underworld (Patala). The Emperor questioned the mysterious dwarf to reveal his authentic self. Vishnu revealed himself to Mahabali. Vishnu explained to Mahabali that he had just wanted to test him and could pass the test easily. Emperor Mahabali was delighted to meet his Lord. Vishnu gave an offering to the kind king in exchange.
Another Legend –
Myth, Lord Vishnu got upset with the kings and the warrior caste, who were constantly engaged in war and superior to the rest of the caste. Vishnu adopted the form of Parashurama or “Rama with an Axe” and was also called Rama Jamadagyna during the time of King Kaartavirya. King Kaartavirya repressed and slandered all the world’s people, wise men, and gods.
A few days later, the King visited the hermitage Parashurama with his mom Renuka and his mother. While Parashurama was absent, the King removed the calf from their cow without authorization. When Parashurama was back in the hermitage, he by the King’s inhumanity and urged him to fight to kill the King and his oppressive soldiers. Then Parashurama threw the Axe, where the sea receded and created the land of Kerala and the other western coastal regions in the Indian subcontinent.
Another legend states that the myth of Namboodiri Brahmins was brought by Parashurama to the southwest of India and created an enclosing mountain range resembling Himalaya using his Axe. Onam is the Onam festival, per this legend, a celebration of Parashurama’s birth in Kerala by marking these days as the start of the new year.
Significance-
Opulence. In India, harvest celebrations to thank the gods and goddesses of agriculture. They seek divine blessings to ensure prosperity for the agricultural sector and to pray for the household’s wealth. It is under various names in various states of India, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Nabanna in Bengal, Bihu in Assam, Lohri & Baisakhi in Punjab and Onam in Kerala.
The legend associated with The Vamana character is Puranic, i.e., the expression of a more profound truth that is a moral lesson derived from scientific or historical incidents hidden in a story. Maha Bali was a mighty asura King. He was arrogant since he was the sole owner of all the land. He to be invincible. Wisdom and humility can help you overcome the ego that can become as large as the earth and sky. Vamana can in just three steps.
Step 1: Measure the earth. – Take a look at the number of living beings similar to you living on the planet.
Step 2: Examine the sky. Look up at the skies and feel awed by the vastness of other worlds in the universe and how tiny we are in the cosmos.
Step 3: Rest your hands on your head and realize that, in the cycle of death and births, not just of living beings but also of the universe itself, The period of our individual lives is concise, and the part we play in the bigger image of the universe, is much smaller.
Onam is the shorter version of Thiruvonam or Shravanam, as this festival in the Shravan month falls under the Shravana star of the Indian calendar. Shravan is a month on the Indian calendar observed between July and August in the North and between August and September in the South. The month of the Shravan full moon is in opposition to the Shravana star.
Onam can serve as an ancient celebration in Kerala that celebrates the Rice harvest. The festival’s value lies within Indian tradition, two of which are more prevalent.
10 Days Onam Festival -Celebrations
Day 1 -Atham
To celebrate the King’s arrival. At Atham, Keralites will take an early bath, say prayers, and start making their Pookalam or flower decorations on the ground in front of houses. Gather the flowers, and the women will use them to create designs.
On this day, the Pookalam can be small in the tradition of Athapoo. The style is simple for the initial day, and only yellow flowers are employed. The number of people attending will increase, and the type will become more complicated each day until this festival’s final day. The Tripunithura Athachamayam Festival can also hold during this time within Tripunithura, a historical region in Kochi.
A parade accompanies this festival through the streets, showcasing various traditional Keralan art forms, such as dancing, music, carnival floats, and decorated elephants. The parade floats typically include scenes of Hindu epics like The Mahabharata and Ramayana. The procession’s path runs from Tripunithura to Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara.
The procession stops when the parade passes by the temple, and the crowd pauses to pray. Families usually begin making their Pookalam designs on the first day by creating simple shapes using petals on the floor in front of their houses. It will continue to be revised every event day until it’s an exquisite and stunning work of art.
Day 2 – Chithira
The next day, two layers of yellow and orange flower petals on top of the Pookalam. Also, people take care to clean their homes and visit temples.
Traditionally, Pookalams have the ten holy flowers from Kerala However, nowadays, there are a variety of flowers. The earthen mounds represent King Mahabli in courtyards of houses and public spaces, as well as the design patterns of Pookalam. Also, people cleaned their homes and visited temples during this time.
Day 3 – Chodhi
On Chodhi, another layer of flowers is in the Pookalam, and families begin to buy new jewelry and clothes for each other.
The market will with people who are busy finishing shopping for Onam. On this particular day, women will dress in the traditional Kasavu Sari, an ancient Keralan dress, while males will purchase mundu, a dress worn at the waist. Young girls are spotted wearing Pattu Pavadai, the traditional clothes that differentiate young girls from married women.
Day 4 – Vishakam
Vishakam signifies the start of the main festival, also known as Onam Sadhya.
Onam Sadhya is a nine-course meal made up of between 11 and 13 traditional dishes served on a banana leaf. The number of words could be as high as 26, 30, or even 30 in different families. The markets often offer the harvest sale to draw customers, making the needs one of Kerala’s busiest spots during the celebration.
Day 5 – Anizham
This day is when the famous snake boat race, also known as Vallamkali, is held. The Vallamkali races are held on the holy Pampa River and involve a grand parade. All across Kerala to watch the race and support their team. Famous races include the Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race and Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Day 6 – Thriketa
On the sixth and final day of the month, people who have emigrated to different regions will return to their ancestral homes and be with their family and friends. They can also exchange gifts among themselves in the Pookalam.
Day 7 – Moolam
On Moolam, family gatherings will be held one another and cook an adapted version that is a smaller version of Sadya. Hindu Temples also begin serving Onasadya, which is an obscene vegan food. Many traditional dance performances, such as those of dances like Puli Kali, take place.
Day 8 – Pooradam
On the sixth and final day of the month, people who have emigrated to other areas will return to their ancestral homes and be with their family and friends. They also trade gift cards among one another. to the Pookalam.
Day 9 – Uthradam
The day of the festival is when Onam Festival preparations get to their peak. The day is marked by cleaning houses and participating in the last Onam 2022 shopping. According to legends according to the codes, King Mahabali is believed to arrive in Kerala on this day.
Day 10 – Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the day that ends the festival when rice flour is on the front doors of houses as a traditional welcome symbol. The people also wear their new clothes and give donations to the less fortunate and needy—the celebrations with fireworks and bright lights. In certain parts of Kerala, there will be dances and folk music also.
Onam 2022 Events During Onam Festival
In Onam, the Onam festival, God’s country’s tranquil and serene exterior transforms into a vibrant display of music and colors.
1.Tripunithura Athachamayam-
It is the day of the beginning of Onam 2022 that with pomp and fervor. It is vibrant inaugurations that include an outdoor parade.
This celebration of different Kerala Arts, including dancers, musicians, carnival floats, and decorated elephants who stroll down the streets.
- Pookalam-The Floral Decorations & Arrangement
The traditional Ona-Pookalam of ten rings. These symbolize the ten days of rituals during Onam that begin with “Atham” and end. The name Pookalam commonly refers to floral decorations, and flower beds will be the first things that be thought of when thinking about Onam Festival and the legend of Mahabali. “Thiru Onam” during the period of Chingam.
“Onam Pookalam” stands out as a symbol of secularism. Onam Pookalam symbolizes unity and teamwork, as all family members come together to complete the task. Many kinds and varieties of flowers together make stunning Pookalam. The Pookalam starts at Atham and concludes at Thiruvonam to show the good old times during Mahabali’s rule.
- Onam Sadhya – The Complete Meal
The harvest festival in Kerala will with vibrant food served in a leaf of bananas, containing more than 25 dishes known as “Onam Sadhya’. Onasadhya is one of the renowned traditional food in Kerala with a banana leaf on the day that ends (Thiruonam) on the day of The Onam Festival. Onasadhya is the name of an Onam Food Feast. It is an emblem of prosperity prevalent during the time of Mahabali. Everyone, wealthy or not, across all regions of Kerala cooks grand Onasadyas on the festival’s last day. Keralans Kerala is sure their monarch Mahabali will be present for the most lavish dinner on this auspicious day.
Onasadhya comes on a green, properly cleaned banana leaf with a pappad left. On the right-hand side of the pappad. Next to them are the ginger lime, as well as mango pickles. After dinner, Payasam has dessert. Vegetarian dishes such as Pavakka, Ullikitchadi, and Kitchadi (made from pineapple and banana pieces) are on top. Thoran (a mix of curries made from vegetables) following selection.
So, get out of the massive banana leaves and start cooking one of the most loved dishes of Kerala as you prepare your Onam Sadhya to commemorate the Onam 2022.
- Vallamkali- The Snake Boat Races
Another most renowned festival held in Onam is the “Snake Race” stored in the ‘Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Onam festival. The famous Onam festival is in August or September each year. Also, August and September are the best times to travel to Kerala. In Kerala, one can experience Kerala with all its splendor throughout Onam. You can also relish the delicious taste of Onasadhya. You can also take part in decorating the Pookalam and see the beauty of Kerala at the famed Onam Festival.
- Pulikali-The Grand Tiger Dance
Like every other Indian celebration, there’s lots of dancing and singing during the Onam celebrations. Pulikali, or Kaduvakali, is a beautiful folk art performed by trained dancers to delight and entertain people who attend the festival. The dancers are enthusiastic and show off their hunting skills in tune with the music instruments’ beats.
In Malayalam, the language of Malayalam, Pulikali is a reference to ‘playing with tigers.’ The show on the theme of “tiger hunting.” On the festival’s fourth day (Nalaam Onam), the performers dress like tigers and hunters using black, yellow, and red paint and dance to the beat of rousing music such as Thakil and Udukku.
This dance is in the ‘Thrissur District region of Kerala. The best place to watch the dance is at ‘Swaraj Round, where Pulikali performers from across the district come together to perform the traditional art. This massive festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe to this tiny Thrissur city.
- Folk Dances: Festivities At Its Peak
A festival is not complete without an event involving dancing, and Onam Festival is no exception. On the festival day, you will witness many women performing folk dances. One dance form is Kaikottikali when the reign of King Mahabali. It is a form of clap dancing form. Another dance type is Thumbi Thualli, where the females dance in circles.
Post Onam 2022- Festival Celebration
The majority of the Onam celebrations end on Thiruvonam, followed by another two days of The third and the fourth Onam. The third day, known as the Avittom, is the day to celebrate Mahabali’s residence in the heavens. The principal ceremony of the day is to immerse the Onathappan statue, which is in Pokallam over these ten days; it is from the Pokallam.
- Among all the celebrations the most important one is to purchase and put on new clothes. It is known as the Onakkodi
- During The Onam Festival in Kerala, Keralite Hindus install and worship the Thrikkakara Appan or Onathappan in their homes.
- The Hindu temples in Kerala are decorated with lamps, and a Palmyra tree is planted temple. It is by a wooden fence as well as dried Palmyra leaves. Then it is lit to symbolize that King Mahabali made his way to Patala to offer an offering to God.
- In the rural areas, the swing is an integral element of the celebration in which locals can sing Onappaatt and various other Onam tunes and push one another on the swing
- Apart from all the enthusiastic handloom fairs, there help revive the Onam festival’s spirit.
Onam 2022 date
Onam Festival State is ——- Kerala
Type of Festival ——-Harvest Festival
Onam 2022—-7th Sept 2022(First Onam)