Kerala is ready to welcome Onam. It is a festival celebrated by the whole of Kerala with one mind, irrespective of caste or creed. Onam has its own tradition and story that is etched in every Keralite’s mind. Onam celebrations are filled with a variety of rituals and celebrations, the preparations of which start off quite a few days before the festival. Celebrations are toned down to almost nil, due to the current situation. Markets are yet to open up, people are confined to home – these all puts a dampener on the Onam spirit.

Why is Onam different from other festivals? The celebration of Onam, unlike other legendary festivities, reflects a special reason. It was never a celebration of defeating evil. Rather, it is one that questions the criteria of what is really necessary. For many festivals, the story would be of good triumphing over evil. Onam is a bit different. Mahabali was a king who ruled the country without giving up righteousness and justice. Even then, he had to face the trials of Lord Vishnu, who appeared on earth in the form of a dwarf avatar. He realized that the earth and the sky we see are confined to the mere footsteps of God. Mahabali is a perfect example of devotion and sacrifice in his life. Onam reminds us of the profound truth that nothing in this world belongs to anyone, so all we have is the gift of some superpower.

Celebrated by Keralites across the world, Onam has many legends and myths associated with it. It is a harvest festival, celebrated by all rungs of the society. Onam celebrations start from Atham Nakshatra. It is celebrated on the day of Thiruvonam and lasts till the day of Chathayam. Legend has it that the first Onam celebration was held at Thrikkakara, also known as the headquarters of Onathappan. In the early days, foreign ships used to come near Kerala coast for spice trade during the time when monsoons were coming to an end and the sky was clear. It is said that this month, which brings in gold, is called the Golden Lion Month or Ponnin Chingam and Onam is called ‘Ponnonam’.

The legend of Mahabali is one of the most important legends of Onam. Thrikkakara was the administrative center of the Mahabali kingdom. It is said that during the reign of Mahabali, the gods became jealous and as they pleaded with Lord Vishnu, the deity took the form of a dwarf avatar – Vamana – and trampled Mahabali down to another world under the earth.

However, Vamana also gave permission to Mahabali to visit his subjects once a year, on the day of Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam. Thus, it is believed that Mahabali visits his subjects invisibly every year on Thiruvonam. Not so common legends state that Onam is the visit of Parasurama. Buddhists believe that Prince Siddhartha entered Shravanapadam after enlightenment on the day of Thiruvonam in the month of Shravanam. Buddhism was predominant in Kerala quite a while ago. Visiting any household during the Onam season, one would see that preparations are underway to receive Maveli Thampuran with a feast on Thiruvona Divasom. In the yard, flowers are arranged in a circle on the floor waxed with dung. On the first day, only one row of flowers is allowed. On the second day, there are two types of flowers and on the third day, there are three types of flowers. The saffron flower is planted from the day of flowering. The flower bed should be
prepared to the maximum size. Due to this, the flower bed should be arranged in a square during the day.

Onasadya is another main attraction of Onam. Kalan, Olan, and Erisseri are the main dishes of Onasadya. Aviyal, Sambar, and Rasam came later. Pappadam, traditional side dishes and jaggery, fruits, cheese, and Prathaman are some of the other. Onasadya should be served on the plantain leaf. Pachamoru or raw curd is a must for Sadya. Onam festival has typical celebrations across Kerala. These include Attachamayam, Onatheyyam, Velan Thullal, Oneshwaran (Onappottan) and Onavillu. Attakkalam Kuthal, Kaikottikkali, Pulikkali, Onakkummatti (Kummatikkali) , Onathall, Onamkali, Ochirakkali, Kambithayam Kali, Bharakkali, Naiyum Puliyum Veikkal, Aranmula Vallamkali, Thalapanthu Kali, Kilithattukali, Sundarik Pottukuthum etc. Some of them are regional, while others are celebrated by all Keralites. Onam carries a message of goodness and prosperity. Tiding over all difficulties, hopefully soon we would be celebrating Onam with all its glory and
splendour.