ONAM FESTIVAL
AT
KERALA
Story goes that during the reign of mighty
asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. 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 deed 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.
Onam is the biggest and the most important
festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated
with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities.
According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King
Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the
month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This
corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.
Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten
days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all.
Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival
made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk
songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a
part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
Government of India has taken due notice of
this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big
way and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations.
Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.
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.
There are a lot of activities that takes place all over the
state on Onam. Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and
enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an attire of
plaited grass and big wooden mask. They move from house to house collecting
small gifts and amusing children.
At Thrissur, caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and
present a regal view. While at Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists cast a spell on
the audience with the magic of their performance. Women perform their graceful
traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the day and enthrall the audience.
Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organised in several parts of
the state to mark the day.
Number of sports and games events are also organised on the day.
These are collectively called Onakalikal. Some of them are rigorous sports like
Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam. Archery is
also a part of Onakalikal. Senior members have their share of fun by playing
indoor games like cards and chess. There is also a tradition of swinging on
Onam. A decorated swing is swung on a high branch and young men and women take
the pleasure on it while singing traditional songs.
