Onam is the biggest festival in the
South IndiaSouth India, also known as the Dravida in the Indian anthem, is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of area...
n state of
KeralaKerala , is a state located in southwestern India. The state was created in 1956 on linguistc basis, bringing together those places where Malayalam formed the principal language...
. It falls during the
MalayaliThe Malayali people are a group of people, who speak Malayalam, originating from the Indian state of Kerala...
month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala's culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, Snake Boat Race and the Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.
Significance
Onam is an ancient Dravidian festival which still survives in the Modern times. The original Harvest festival which fell on the Tamil month of Avani (chingam) celebrated the annual visit from pathalam of King Maveli. Avanam or Thiru Avanam (Thiruvonam) used be the day on which the yearly accounts were verified and a New year started. Though Aryanised in the last 700 years Onam still retains many of its ancient Dravidian traits. Onam is unique since
DravidianDravidian may refer to the following about southern South Asia:* Dravidian languages, a language family comprising about 21 languages including the four literary languages spoken mainly in South India and North-Eastern Sri Lanka*Proto-Dravidian, a model of the common ancestor of the above...
king Maveli is reverred by people of Kerala from prehistory.
According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of king Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deeds done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.
Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.
The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala. The following song is often sung over Onam:
(Translation)
The Legend
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
was the grandson of Prahlad (son of
HiranyakashipuHiranyakashipu [golden-haired] is an Asura from the Puranic scriptures of Hinduism. The Puranas describe Hiranyakashipu as an Asura. His younger brother, Hiranyaksha was slain by Varaha, one of the Avatars of Vishnu and angered by this, Hiranyakashipu decided to gain magical powers by performing...
who was slain by
VishnuVishnu , , is the Supreme God in Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God...
in his
NarasimhaNarasimha , also spelt as Narasingh and Narasinga, is an avatara of Vishnu described in the Puranas, Upanishads and other ancient religious texts of Hinduism, and one of Hinduism's most popular deities, as evidenced in early epics, iconography, and temple and festival worship for over a millennium...
AvatarIn Hinduism, Avatar or Avatara usually implies a deliberate descent from higher spiritual realms to lower realms of existence for special purposes, often translated into English as incarnation.Avatars that are of importance are mainly those of the Supreme Being...
am). Prahlad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. Mahabali learned the love and devotion of Vishnu from Prahlad's lap as a child.
EranielEraniel is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.-Geography:Eraniel is located at . It has an average elevation of 10 meters .its near to Thingal Nagar previously known as Monday Market....
near
KanyakumariKanyakumari is a town in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu state, India. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, it is also know by its former name Cape Comorin...
is believed to be th birth place of
HiranyakashipuHiranyakashipu [golden-haired] is an Asura from the Puranic scriptures of Hinduism. The Puranas describe Hiranyakashipu as an Asura. His younger brother, Hiranyaksha was slain by Varaha, one of the Avatars of Vishnu and angered by this, Hiranyakashipu decided to gain magical powers by performing...
(Eranian) and king Maveli.
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
is the Aryanised name for the
DravidianDravidian may refer to the following about southern South Asia:* Dravidian languages, a language family comprising about 21 languages including the four literary languages spoken mainly in South India and North-Eastern Sri Lanka*Proto-Dravidian, a model of the common ancestor of the above...
king Maveli as he is still referred in Kerala.Maveli,Nelveli,Seeveli and Maran are the ancient titles of Pandyan
VillavarVillavars were the primary rulers among the Dravidians who once ruled the whole of India. Villavars were archers who once emerged from the hunting clans of India. They were also known as Ezhinar or Eyinars in Chera and Tamil countries respectively...
kings of
Pandya kingdomPandyas were fierce warriors who took part in the Kurukshetra War as per the epic Mahabharata. They were mentioned both in the epic Mahabharata and epic Ramayana. A Pandya king named Sarangadwaja is mentioned as participating in the Kurukshetra War, siding with the Pandavas. It is not clear if...
mentioned in Mahabharatam.
Pandya kingdomPandyas were fierce warriors who took part in the Kurukshetra War as per the epic Mahabharata. They were mentioned both in the epic Mahabharata and epic Ramayana. A Pandya king named Sarangadwaja is mentioned as participating in the Kurukshetra War, siding with the Pandavas. It is not clear if...
had suzernity over Southern Karnataka,Kerala,Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.Maveli in ancient
TamilTamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in India, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Tamil is also spoken by significant minorities in Malaysia, Mauritius and Réunion as well as emigrant communities around the world...
means Big land.
MavelikkaraMavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located on the Haripad - Pathanamthitta Road. Mavelikara is close to NH 47, National Highway....
,Thirunelveli,
NemmaraNemmara is a predominantly rural village in the Palakkad district of the state of Kerala in India. It is famous for its festival known as Nemmara Vallangi Vela or simply Nemmara Vela. Nemmara and Vallangi form the two parts of this village.-Location:...
are few of the places named after ancient Pandyan kings. The
DravidianDravidian may refer to the following about southern South Asia:* Dravidian languages, a language family comprising about 21 languages including the four literary languages spoken mainly in South India and North-Eastern Sri Lanka*Proto-Dravidian, a model of the common ancestor of the above...
kings were often referred to as
Asura-In Hinduism:In Hinduism, the Asura are a group of power-seeking deities, sometimes referred to as demons or sinful. They were opposed to the Devas. Both groups are children of Kasyapa. The views of Asuras in Hinduism vary due to the many deities who were Asuras then later became known as Devas...
s or
RakshasaA Rakshasa or alternately rakshas, is a demon or unrighteous spirit in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Rakshasas are also called man-eaters or cannibals...
s by the ancient
AryanAryan is an English language loanword denoting variously*in historical or dated usage,**the Indo-Iranian languages and their speakers, viz. the Iranian and Indo-Aryan peoples**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers,...
literature.The legend of Ulagudaia Perumal alias Maveli Maran who resisted the Aryan invasion in prehistory still survive in South Travancore.
Mahabali Conquers The Three Worlds
KashyapaKashyapa was an ancient sage , who was one of the Saptarshis in the present Manvantara; with others being Atri, Vashishtha, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja...
had two wives,
DitiIn Hinduism, Diti is an earth goddess and mother of the Maruts with Rudra. She wanted to have a son who would be more powerful than Indra and so she practiced magic and kept herself pregnant for one year . Indra used a thunderbolt to splinter the fetus into many pieces, the Maruts. She is also...
and
AditiAditi [from a without + diti bound from the verbal root da to bind] boundless, free; as a noun, infinite and shoreless expanse. In the Vedas, Aditi is Devamatri as from and in her cosmic matrix all the heavenly bodies were born...
, who were the parents of the demons and the gods (Asuras and
DevasDeva is the Sanskrit word for "god, deity". It can be variously interpreted as a God, angel, spirit, celestial being, deity or any supernatural being of high excellence, and is thus comparable to the Hebrew Elohim...
) respectively. Once,
Indra' is the King of the gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology, and also he is the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall....
, the king of the gods/
AryanAryan is an English language loanword denoting variously*in historical or dated usage,**the Indo-Iranian languages and their speakers, viz. the Iranian and Indo-Aryan peoples**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers,...
s, went to war with the king of
Asura-In Hinduism:In Hinduism, the Asura are a group of power-seeking deities, sometimes referred to as demons or sinful. They were opposed to the Devas. Both groups are children of Kasyapa. The views of Asuras in Hinduism vary due to the many deities who were Asuras then later became known as Devas...
s(
DravidianDravidian may refer to the following about southern South Asia:* Dravidian languages, a language family comprising about 21 languages including the four literary languages spoken mainly in South India and North-Eastern Sri Lanka*Proto-Dravidian, a model of the common ancestor of the above...
s),
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
. Mahabali defeated Indra and proceeded to occupy Indra's territory. Kashyapa, who had gone to the
HimalayasThe Himalaya Range or Himalayas for short , meaning "abode of snow", is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
to do penance, on his return found Aditi weeping over the defeat of her son,
Indra' is the King of the gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology, and also he is the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall....
. By divine insight, Kashyapa instantly recognised the cause of her grief. He tried to console her saying that nothing happens in the world without divine will and people should go on doing their duties. He asked her to pray to
VishnuVishnu , , is the Supreme God in Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God...
and taught her
PayovrataPayovrata is the vrata or penance observed by Goddess Aditi to propitiate Lord Vishnu.-Ritual Activity:It is usually observed for 12 days, and during that time the devotee subsists on a diet of milk alone...
, a ritual that has to be observed from the 12th day of the bright half of
KarthikaKarthika is an Indian film actress of Malayalam films. She was active in the movie industry from 1985 to 1989. Karthika's debut movie was Manicheppu Thurannappol....
(Sukla-paksha Dvadasi). Since Aditi carried out the
VrataIn the context of Hinduism and Hindu mythology, the term vrata denotes a religious practice to carry out certain obligations with a view to achieve divine blessing for fulfillment of one or more than one desire...
with a pious heart, Vishnu appeared before her and informed her that he would himself place a child in her womb and help Indra. Later, on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada,
AditiAditi [from a without + diti bound from the verbal root da to bind] boundless, free; as a noun, infinite and shoreless expanse. In the Vedas, Aditi is Devamatri as from and in her cosmic matrix all the heavenly bodies were born...
gave birth to a son of uncommon effulgence. That child, "
Vamana-murtiVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
", demonstrated his divine powers by doing marvelous deeds even when he was a child.
Alternatively, the Devas (
AryanAryan is an English language loanword denoting variously*in historical or dated usage,**the Indo-Iranian languages and their speakers, viz. the Iranian and Indo-Aryan peoples**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers,...
s, gods) were very annoyed as Mahabali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated the Devas. Violence was inflicted upon the Devas. The gods approached Vishnu and asked for his help.
In the meantime,
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
was performing the sacrificial rite of the Viswajith Yagam or Aswamedha Yagam on the banks of
Narmada RiverThe Narmada the Periplus Maris Erythraei calls it the Nammadus.. The British Raj called it the Nerbudda or Narbada[] is a river in central India and the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent. Narmada is a Sanskrit word meaning 'the Giver of Pleasure'...
. He also declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagam.
Vamana Visits Mahabali
Taking advantage of the Yagam and Mahabali's declaration,
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
came to the
Yaga-shalaYaga-shala is a temporary construction built for the purpose of worship in India.-External links:A description of Yaga-shala used in worship: http://www.kumbhamelatimes.org/pointsarchive.asp?dt=1/24/2001...
. As he approached them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgence form of the young lad.
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. With the usual courtesy given to the people who come to ask for help, Mahabali told him that it was his good fortune that Vamana had chosen to honour him with his presence. Whatever Vamana desired, Mahabali was ready to fulfill.
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
smiled and said: "
You need not give me anything great. It is enough if you give me that extend of land covered by three footsteps of mine".
On hearing him, Mahabali's preceptor, the Brahmin Shukracharya (a Daitya priest), who had visions of the future, told Mahabali that the one who had come to take alms from him was not an ordinary Brahmin but Lord Vishnu Himself having assumed this form. He advised Mahabali not to promise the lad anything. But Mahabali was a king who would never go back on his word, considering it sinful to do so. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfill the demand of
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
as he had come to deprive him of all his possessions.
Mahabali, determined to honour the word given to
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
, begged the pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Mahabali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice had he started the Vishwajith Yagam from which he secured some very powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya's help that he was able to conquer Indra. Mahabali's refusal angered Shukracharya. He cursed Mahabali, saying: 'As you have not heeded your Guru's words, you will be reduced to ashes'. Mahabali was firm and replied: 'I am prepared to face any consequence but will not go back on my word'.
Mahabali's Reign Ends
Saying so, he asked
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
to measure the desired three feet of land. All attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Mahabali proved futile. Mahabali considered everyone who came to him for help as god himself and never refused them anything. Mahabali told his Guru: "
Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are like the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Knowing that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord, who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me." Mahabali boasted that even if Vishnu himself were to come to his sacrifice and ask for anything, he would deliver it.
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
grew in size until he towered above the heavens. With one footstep, he measured all of the earth. With the second, he claimed all of heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Mahabali owed him. Mahabali requested Vamana to place the final step on his head as the third step of land, for he had no other left. Vamana did so and in doing so, pushed him down to
PatalaPatala is a town and a nagar panchayat in Ghaziabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Demographics: India census, Patala had a population of 9730. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Patala has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of...
, the underworld.
Vishnu's Blessings
For the devotion of this
daityaIn Hinduism, the Daityas were the children of Diti and the sage Kashyapa. They were a race of giants who fought against the gods because they were jealous of their Deva half-brothers. Some known Daityas include Bali, Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha...
,
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
, Lord Vishnu (
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
) granted him rule over the underworld. It was also granted that he would hold the position of
Indra' is the King of the gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology, and also he is the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall....
for one
ManvantaraManvantara or Manuvantara , or age of a Manu , the Hindu progenitor of mankind, is an astronomical period of time measurement. Manvantara is a Sanskrit sandhi, a combination of words manu and antara, manu-antara or manvantara, literally meaning the duration of a Manu, or his life span .Each...
, thus fulfilling his devotee's desire (the office of Indra being a rotating position, changing every
ManvantaraManvantara or Manuvantara , or age of a Manu , the Hindu progenitor of mankind, is an astronomical period of time measurement. Manvantara is a Sanskrit sandhi, a combination of words manu and antara, manu-antara or manvantara, literally meaning the duration of a Manu, or his life span .Each...
).
As a last gift,
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
was granted permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites celebrate the Onam festival to commemorate the memory of the Great King
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
who would keep his promise to visit.
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth ("
SatyaSatya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as "truth" or "correct". It is a term of power due to its purity and meaning and has become the emblem of many peaceful social movements, particularly those centered on social justice, environmentalism and vegetarianism.Satya is also...
"). The name "
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
" itself means
Great Sacrifice.
During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Mahabali's flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The 'Vastra' also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings. People forgetting their sectarian outlooks, join together to welcome the auspicious 'Thiruvonam' day.
Moral Questions
It would seem unfair that Lord Vishnu punished Mahabali, who like his grandfather (
PrahladaPrahlada is a character from the Puranic texts of Hinduism, wherein he is famed for his exclusive devotion to Vishnu, despite attempts in the story by his father, Hiranyakashipu to turn him to the contrary. He is considered a mahajana, or great devotee, by followers of Vaishnava traditions and is...
), was deemed one of the greatest devotees of Lord
VishnuVishnu , , is the Supreme God in Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God...
, and a very just king. However, Mahabali is not considered penalized by Vishnu, since he was granted the blessings of Vishnu and his remembrance allowed to be observed for eternity by way of Onam. He was also given the opportunity to keep his head under Lord Vishnu's holy feet, thus allowing all his sins to be wiped away.
Also, by the grant of Vishnu,
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
will be the next (eighth)
Indra' is the King of the gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology, and also he is the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall....
during the time of the eighth
Manu-Geography:* Manú Province, a province of Peru, in the Madre de Dios region* Manú National Park, Peru* Manú River, in southeastern Peru* Manu River, Tripura, which originates in India and flows into Bangladesh...
,
Savarni ManuSarvabhauma comes as Savarni Manu, a son born to the sun-god and wife named Chaya. Savarni's sons are headed by Nirmoka, and among the demigods are the Sutapas. Bali, the son of Virocana, is Indra, and Galava and Parashurama are among the seven sages. In this age of Manu, the incarnation of the...
. Purandara is the current Indra.
It is believed that Mahabali became the greatest earthly devotee of Vishnu by sacrificing his kingdom to him.
However it is not clear why
MahavishnuFor the album by Mahavishnu Orchestra see Mahavishnu In Hinduism, Mahavishnu is an aspect of Vishnu, the Absolute which is beyond human comprehension and is beyond all attributes. In Vaishnavite theology, the term is similar to Brahman and Almighty God...
should bury alive his own devotee,that too a benevolent Asura(Dravidian) king reverred by his subjects.
VamanaVamana is a personality described in the Puranic texts of Hinduism as the Fifth Avatara of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age, or Treta yuga. Also he is the first Avatar of Vishnu which appears with a completely human form, though it was that of a dwarf brahmin...
the
AryanAryan is an English language loanword denoting variously*in historical or dated usage,**the Indo-Iranian languages and their speakers, viz. the Iranian and Indo-Aryan peoples**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers,...
Brahmin who killed Maveli the
Asura-In Hinduism:In Hinduism, the Asura are a group of power-seeking deities, sometimes referred to as demons or sinful. They were opposed to the Devas. Both groups are children of Kasyapa. The views of Asuras in Hinduism vary due to the many deities who were Asuras then later became known as Devas...
(
DravidianDravidian may refer to the following about southern South Asia:* Dravidian languages, a language family comprising about 21 languages including the four literary languages spoken mainly in South India and North-Eastern Sri Lanka*Proto-Dravidian, a model of the common ancestor of the above...
) king by deceit could somehow convince the people of Kerala that Maveli will visit Kerala everyyear.Vamana who saved Aryans from the Dravidian attack could have been reverred as an incarnation of
MahavishnuFor the album by Mahavishnu Orchestra see Mahavishnu In Hinduism, Mahavishnu is an aspect of Vishnu, the Absolute which is beyond human comprehension and is beyond all attributes. In Vaishnavite theology, the term is similar to Brahman and Almighty God...
in a later period.It is to be noted that
HiranyakashipuHiranyakashipu [golden-haired] is an Asura from the Puranic scriptures of Hinduism. The Puranas describe Hiranyakashipu as an Asura. His younger brother, Hiranyaksha was slain by Varaha, one of the Avatars of Vishnu and angered by this, Hiranyakashipu decided to gain magical powers by performing...
the great grand father of Maveli was also slain by Mahavishnu in his
NarasimhaNarasimha , also spelt as Narasingh and Narasinga, is an avatara of Vishnu described in the Puranas, Upanishads and other ancient religious texts of Hinduism, and one of Hinduism's most popular deities, as evidenced in early epics, iconography, and temple and festival worship for over a millennium...
avatarIn Hinduism, Avatar or Avatara usually implies a deliberate descent from higher spiritual realms to lower realms of existence for special purposes, often translated into English as incarnation.Avatars that are of importance are mainly those of the Supreme Being...
am (Man-Lion incarnation).
BanasuraBana , in Hindu mythology, was a thousand-armed asura and son of Bali. Banasura was a powerful and terrible asura. All people, even the king of earth and Devas of heaven, were afraid of him. Bana was a follower of Siva. Banasura ruled in present-day central Assam with his capital at Sonitpur...
(
VillavarVillavars were the primary rulers among the Dravidians who once ruled the whole of India. Villavars were archers who once emerged from the hunting clans of India. They were also known as Ezhinar or Eyinars in Chera and Tamil countries respectively...
-Archer) the famous Asura king who ruled the whole India from Wayanads
Banasura Sagar DamBanasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979...
to Assam was the son of Maveli.
The Ten Days of Celebration - Atham Patthinu Ponnonam
The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before onam. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
and
VamananVaamanan is a 2009 Tamil action thriller film written and directed by debutant I. Ahmed, who worked as an erstwhile assistant to Kadhir, and starring Jai and newcomer Priya Anand in lead roles. The story was inspired by the storyline/sequences of Will Smith's Enemy of the State, a 1998 American...
(an
AvatarIn Hinduism, Avatar or Avatara usually implies a deliberate descent from higher spiritual realms to lower realms of existence for special purposes, often translated into English as incarnation.Avatars that are of importance are mainly those of the Supreme Being...
of
VishnuVishnu , , is the Supreme God in Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God...
) are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it.
The important part of the festival opens in some localities on Thiruvonam day and in others on the previous day known as
Uthradam. On Thiruvonam day, King
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
is believed to visit every Malayalee home and meet his people. Houses are cleaned and decorated with flowers and traditional lamps. A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared in every household. The eldest member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Even the poorest of the poor manage to find something for himself to celebrate the national festival in his own humble way.
Onam comes in the month of "Chingam" according to the Malayalam Calendar. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome King
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats; Keralites all over the world will be celebrating this ten days with pomp and gaiety. They wear new dresses, visit as many temples as they can, perform dances like
Thiruvathira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. to name a few. The most important thing is the grand lunch on the Thiuruvonam day, which is also called the
Second Onam. Whatever may happen they will not miss the Grand lunch (
sadya). There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "We should have the Thiruvonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties" which shows the importance of the grand lunch on the Thiruvonam day.
Onam is celebrated with a focus on different cultural aspects at different places. Athachamayam- a cultural procession takes place in the royal town of Tripunithura near
ErnakulamErnakulam refers to the eastern part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. Ernakulam is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to Ernakulam District...
-Kochi, on the Atham day of
Chingam, which also marks the beginning of Onam celebrations. At the
Vamanamoorthy templeThrikkakara Temple is one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana. It is situated in Thrikkakara, a village panchayat near Cochin in the state of Kerala, South India. The temple houses some lithic records of historic significance. The most important event of the religious...
in
ThrikkakaraThrikkakara is a village panchayat within Ernakulam or Kochi in Kerala state of south India. It is famous for the Thrikkakara Temple where the deity enshrined is Vamana. The Onam festival is celebrated here in a colourful manner. Devotees contribute money for public feasts. A large number of mobile...
, the annual temple festival coincides with Onam. The temple is dedicated to Vamana|Lord Vamana and is directly linked to the mythological background of Onam.
Onam Pookkalam is considered as a symbol for secularism. Various kinds of flowers combine together to form a great-looking pookkalam. So, it shall reflect those old good days during King
MahabaliMahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
. It's a great pleasure for people in Kerala to make Pookkalam from Atham to Thiruvonam, especially for children.
The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. The last day called the Thiruvonam is the most important. All over the state, rituals along with new clothes, traditional cuisine, dance, and music mark this harvest festival.
At Valluvanad(mainly
OttapalamOttapalam is a town in Palakkad District of Kerala state in South India. Situated on the banks of the Bharathappuzha river , it has a rich cultural heritage and has played host to many historic events. Being headquarters of the taluk by the same name, it is one of the municipalities of the district...
, Shornur regions),
KathakaliKathakali is a highly stylised classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion...
dancers in gorgeous costumes enact the legends. A strikingly impressive procession of caparisoned elephants is taken out at
ThrissurThrissur is a city situated in the central region of the state of Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of the Thrissur District. It is known as the 'Cultural Capital of Kerala'. Thrissur city is built around a beautiful hillock atop which the Vadakkumnathan temple which has Shiva as the...
, where masked dancers also go from house to house performing the colorful
KummattikaliKummattikali or Kummatti Kali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, South Malabar in particular. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people. Kummatti dances are rampant in the Thrissur district during Onam...
dance. At Cheruthuruthy, people gather to watch
KathakaliKathakali is a highly stylised classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion...
performers enact scenes from epics and folk tales. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like
Udukku and thakil.
At
AranmulaAranmula is about 128 km from Trivandrum, capital city of Kerala, the south western state in India. It is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. Traditions, cultural variations, traditional village life, sceneries are unique for Aranmula. It is a suburb of Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta...
, during Onam days the famous Aranmula Vallam Kali is conducted.
The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas. Young men and women, decked in their best, sing Onappaattu, or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung from high branches.
Onam activities
The most important things about Onam are the
onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and
onam sadya, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with at least an array of 4 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served. Dessert is usually 'payasam', a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.
During Onam, people create a multi-coloured floral decoration on the ground in the front of their home called
pookkalam. Young children especially girls are often entrusted with the task of gathering and laying out the flowers in elaborate patterns. Competitions are held on onam day to create this floral design. It is usually 1.5 m in Diameter usually in circular shape. A lamp is usually placed as part of the design. In the recent years, the floral designs have evoloved from the traditional circular shape to unique designs depicting different cultural and social aspects of Kerala life.
The
Vallamkali (the snake boat race) is another event that is synonymous with Onam. Well-known races include the
Aranmula Boat RaceThe Aranmula Boat Race the oldest river boat fiesta in Kerala, the south western State of India is held during Onam . It takes place at Aranmula, near a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting watched by an...
and the
Nehru Trophy Boat RaceNehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams . Hence the...
. About 100 oarsmen row huge and graceful snake boats and men and women come from far and near to watch the snake boats skim through the water.
During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home just as Hindus install images or murtis of Lord Ganesh on the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
This festival is also important because of its popularity with all communities within Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with, and is connected to the Hindu religion, it is celebrated today with equal fervour by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala.
Many lamps are lit in Hindu temples of Kerala during this celebration. A palmyra tree is erected in front of temples and surrounded with a wooden balustrade and covered with dry palmyra leaves. It is lit with a torch and burned to ashes to signify that Mahabali went to hell as a sacrifice.
See also
- Mahabali
Mahabali , also known as Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.-A brief sketch:...
- Kerala
Kerala , is a state located in southwestern India. The state was created in 1956 on linguistc basis, bringing together those places where Malayalam formed the principal language...
- Sadya
- Pulikali
- Balipratipada
' is the third day of Dipavali , the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated in honour of the notional return of the demon-king Bali to earth. Bali Padyami falls in the Gregorian calender months October-November. It is the first day of the Hindu month Kartika and is the first day of the bright...
- List of Harvest Festivals
External links