Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is a 10-day long festival which is celebrated in the month of Chingam - the first month according to the Malayalam calendar.
One of the significance of this festival is to celebrate the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their king. The myth says that the King sacrificed his life in order to stay true to his words and for the welfare of the people. To honour the sacrifice of the king, the festival of Onam is dedicated to him by the Keralites and his followers all across India. The second is to celebrate the harvesting season of the city that is tied with the golden era of prosperity.
Kerala, also known as ‘God’s own city’ is seen in full vigour and merriment during the 10 days of festivity. The celebration begins on Atham, the first day and ends on Thiruvonam, the final day of the festival. Each day has its own name starting with Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham ,Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and ending with Thiruvonam. Each day has its own ritual significance. Different cuisines, traditions, dance and music mark this festival.
The main center of festival is at Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara temple in Kochi City that is believed to be the ancient capital of King Mahabali.
Traditions and Rituals:
Atthachamayam
The ten day festival is flagged off on the first day with Atthachamayam, the Royal Parade in Thripunithara. The parade depicts the elements of Kerala’s culture with more than 50 floats and 100 tableaux.
Pookolam
Pookolam is a kind of floral rangoli that is made out of different flowers of varying colours. It is a delicate work of accurate blending and toning. An example of great artistic work, the Pookolam competitions are a common sight in Kerala during the Onam. The floral designs have evolved from simple circular shapes to unique patterns depicting different aspects of Kerala’s culture. Various mounds representing Mahabali and Vamana, also called as Onthappan are installed in the courtyards and are beautifully decorated with flowers.
Vallamkali
An event synonymous to Onam is a snake boat race known as Vallamkali. During these days, a lot of snake shaped boats are seen skimming through the water. The beautiful sight of more than 100 oarsmen rowing huge snake shaped boats is worth a show.
Onakoddi
The ritual of buying and wearing new clothing garments during Onam is known as Onakoddi. The Keralites are seen in full shopping spree while preparing for the festivity. Handloom weavers are seen in full vigor during the festive days.
Traditional dance forms and music
What makes this festival different from others is the fact that a wide variety of traditional dance forms can be witnessed at the same time in the same place. The long list of dances include Thiruvathirakali (performed by women in a circle around a lamp) and Kummattikali (a colourful-mask dance).
A beautiful procession of elephants surrounded by the vibrant Kummatikali dancers going from house to house is a common sight. Another famous dance form seen during the festivity is Kathakali, in which the dancers gracefully present the tales of famous mythological legends.
Pulikali, also called Kaduvakali showcases dancers to be painted like tigers in bright yellow and black who dance to the beats of instruments like Chenda. A ritual worship dance called Theyyam is used to offer prayers to the god. In rural areas, swings and Onam songs called Onappaatt are an indispensable part of the celebrations.
Onakkalikal – Post Onam celebrations
The next two days after Thiruvonam are also celebrated as the third and fourth Onam with various games such as Ox races and food eating competitions in the post Onam celebrations which are together called as Onakkalikal The third Onam is called Avvittom and the fourth as Chatayam. The main tradition of Avvittom is to take the Onthappan statue and immerse it in the nearby rivers or seas. Officially, the celebrations end on Chatayam with a grand dance festival.
(Image Courtesy: Reuters)
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