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A legend of Kerala is about the sweet memories of a period of peace
and prosperity in the distant past when Mahabali, a celebrated emperor
of the Asuras, was supposed to be ruling over this land. His period
is believed a have been the golden age in the history of the country.
A popular folk song narrates the glories of that period. When Maveli
ruled, all men were equal, they were leading a life of happiness
and nobody had any calamity-thus goes the song. There was neither
dishonesty nor deception, nor was there any instance of false utterance,
use of counterfeit measures of other kinds of unfair practice. Perfect
harmony, communal and otherwise, prevailed. In short it was ideal
welfare state, the legend tells us.
But this golden age came to a tragic close when Mahabali was expelled
from his Kingdom by Vamana , the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. Thus
by the designs of the jealous Gods, the glorious reign of the Asura
emperor came to an end. But his grateful subjects, request that
their former ruler might be permitted to visit the land once a year,
was granted. The time for his annual visit was in the first Malayalam
month Chingom (August-September) and this occasion became one of
Jubilation throughout the land, reminiscent of the prosperous times
of Mahabali.
Whatever be the truth behind this legend, Onam has for last several
centuries been a grand national harvest festival in which all sections
of the people participate with extreme Jubilation.
As has been mentioned earlier the festival falls in Chingom, the
Malayalam month corresponding to August-September. The festival
is supposed to begin from the lunar asterism Atham which falls ten
days before the asterism Thiruvonam. The preparations for the celebration
begin on the Atham day. The Thiruvonam is the most important day
of the festival. In the front yard of the house Athapoovu (floral
decoration) is made for ten days from Atham to a Thiruvonam. The
idol of Thrikkakkara Appan made of clay is placed in the middle
of the floral decoration, a clear example of the aesthetic sense
of the Malayalam who do it with a sense of devotion.
On the Thiruvonam day every one bathes and offers worship in temples
early in the morning. Then the gayest new garments are put on. Presents
are distributed to the younger members of the family. Then follows
the onam feast of delicious food served on plantain leaves. Members
of families, staying far away from native places make it a point
to visit their ancestral homes to celebrate the festival in the
company of their kith and kin. Keralites celebrate onam by organising
community feast, cultural programmes, etc.
After the feast there will be sports and games, both indoor and
outdoor, in which both men and women of all ages participate. Mack
fight, ball games, card and chess play are the favorites of the
menfolk whereas women find pleasure in `Oonjalattom, thumbithullal,
Thiruvathirakali, Kaikottikali, etc. Boat races (regatta) also form
another item of onam festival which attract thousands of people
including tourists from outside the state.
Of late, the Kerala Government itself has taken the initiative
to celebrate Onam season as tourist festival with the motive of
attracting tourists. Various cultural forms, old and new, are presented
in all important towns in the state (kerala) during the Festival.
MAA Kerala,
Specialists in sending Onam Gifts. We send flowers,
cake , mundu, kasavu mundu, kasavu sari, Sari, toys, and sweets
to kerala for Onum.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to
send a Onum gift to your loved ones in kerala,
email: sales@maa-kerala.com
or browse our gift categories.
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