Onam - Festival of Kerala
onam;belief behind onam;significance of onam;attractions in onam
Onam- The Festival of Kerala
Onam is one of the major festival celebrated in the God's Own Country which is celebrated nearly 10 days. We can also say that it is the national festival of Kerala. For every single person in Kerala, celebrating Onam is a matter of their pride and joy even if he is a beggar. It is a colorful festival of Kerala with full of flowers represented by 'Athappookkalam'. It is also the harvest festival of Kerala. Belief behind Onam
There was a king called 'Mahabali' who ruled the Kerala in the time of Devas. Under Mahabali's reign, Kerala was full of joy and happiness. There were no thefts or thieves, no disputes among people, no discrimination under the rule of Mahabali. But the Devas in the heaven were jealous of Mahabli and his kingdom as it is always happy there. The Devas moved to Lord Vishnu and told against Mahabali. Then Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin (vamana) reached Mahabali and asked for 3 plots of land for him and Mahabali accepted his request. Suddenly Vamana grown up in to a big figure and conquered whole earth, hell and heaven with in his two steps. Then he asked Mahabali where to place his third feet, at that time Mahabali showed his head. Vamana or Maha Vishnu blessed him and granted him a chance to visit Kerala once in a year his before he sacrifice his life. The Malayalees or Keraliates still believe that he will come every year in the month of Chingam. And they celebrate Onam for the memory of their great king Mahabali.
Popular poem related to Onam
This is a Malayalam poem and here it is translated to English:
'When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people had equality.
And people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Death of the children was never even heard of,
There were no lies,
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no one was false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless race'.
Mahabali and flower 'Thumpa'
Thumpa flower is an important flower in case of Onam. There is also a belief behind it. Mahabali was welcomed by all flowers; some of them welcome come by showing their beauty and some of them with their fragnance. But the poor flower Thumpa don't have the both. But Mahabali went near Thumpa, he took it and placed it on his head. So Thumpa flower is important in case of Onam.
Onam Costumes
In the time of Onam people of Kerala used to wear new clothes. Gents generally wear 'Mundu' and a shirt. Women used to wear 'Pavada' and a blouse. Attractions in Onam
Athapookkalam: It is one of the chief attractions of Onam. The people of Kerala will be drawing some beautiful designs and is filled up with different kinds of flowers. This is generally done in case of Athappokkalam. Mainly the Kerala women and children are engaged in this.
Sadya : Onasadya is a delicious food prepared during Onam festivals. It is a pure vegetarian food with 17 types of curries. It is a tastier Kerala dish.
Onakkalikal : Onakkalikal denotes different games played during Onam season. This include 'Pulikali', kaikottikkali, Attakkalam koothal, Kummattikkali etc. Vallamkali is also one event related to Onam.
Aranmula Boat Race and Nehru Trophy Boat Race: These are some water sports conducted during Onam season.
Thiruvathirakali : Thiruvathirakali is a major attraction during Onam festival. This include the dances of Kerala women wearing beautiful sarees and blouses.
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