Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. It marks the onset of the harvest season. It also has great mythological significance related to the homecoming of King Mahabali, the great king of Kerala.
Making the flower Rangoli or Pookalam marks the beginning of the festival. Important events that take place during this time are, Talappanthukali , a game which is played with a ball and is a favourite. People also indulge in Ambeyyal (archery). Kaikottikali, a clap dance is performed in which people dance and sing praises of King Mahabali. They also perform a dance in a circle. This dance form is called Thumbi Thullal.
Kathakali is also performed with much vigor.
Women dress up in the traditional white sarees with a golden border (Kasavu), while the men wear dhotis (Mundu) and Jubba.
The festive feast of Onam – called the Onam Saadhya, is also very famous.
The Legend of King Mahabali
Onam commemorates King Mahabali.
King Mahabali was the fair and just king of Kerala.
When he defeated Indra and became the Lord of the 3 Lokas – the sky, earth, and the netherlands (Pataalloka), Vishnu came to meet him as a vamana (dwarf).
When the king requested the guest to accept a gift from him, the vamana said that he would like as much land as his three steps cover. The king agreed to this.
Immediately, the vamana started growing in size.
In the first step, Vishnu covered the skies. In the second, he covered the Earth. Then, he asked Bali where he should place the third step. Bali offered his head to place the third step on since there was no other place left.
After this, the kingdom of Bali was returned to Indra and Bali lived in the pataal lok.
But once a year, on Onam, it is believed that the King Mahabali returns to meet his people. People welcome him with gaiety and celebration.
Puzzle for you
Our Onam greeting has 10 things related to the festival. Can you find all 10? Comment below with all the things that you could find.