Onam is a significant festival in Kerala, India, celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. It's a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler of Kerala. According to mythology, King Mahabali was a just and beloved ruler who brought prosperity and peace to Kerala. His growing power and influence, however, posed a threat to the gods, who conspired against him. By
pretending to be Vamana, a diminutive Brahmin, Lord Vishnu deceived Mahabali and sent him to the underworld. But because of his popularity and loyalty, the monarch was blessed with the opportunity to visit his subjects once a year.This visit is celebrated as Onam, marking the king's homecoming and the triumph of good over evil. Onam is deeply ingrained in Kerala's culture and is celebrated over ten days, typically in August or September. The festival is a time for Keralites to come together with family and friends, share traditional food, and celebrate the state's rich cultural heritage. Onam is marked by various traditions, including the creation of flower carpet (Pookalam), savoring traditional Kerala cuisine (Onam Sadya), and participating in traditional games and cultural performances. It's a celebration of Kerala's unique identity, its people, and its traditions.
Onam's values in modern times are more relevant than ever, emphasizing unity, gratitude, and cultural heritage. The festival's message of equality and humility, as seen in the story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu, promotes social harmony and compassion. Onam's connection to nature and the harvest season highlights the importance of environmental awareness and living in harmony with nature. By celebrating Onam, people come together, fostering a sense of community and social bonding, and appreciate the rich cultural diversity of Kerala. The festival's values of gratitude, appreciation, and cultural preservation encourage people to value their traditions and heritage, making Onam a significant celebration in modern times.
Onam holds immense significance in terms of values and culture, as it brings people together and strengthens social bonds. In Kerala, Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm, transcending religious boundaries, and has become a symbol of communal harmony. The festival's popularity has spread globally, with Malayalis residing in various parts of the world celebrating Onam with traditional fervor. As many Malayalis are working or studying abroad, they actively participate in Onam celebrations in their respective locations, showcasing the festival's ability to unite people across geographical boundaries. This widespread celebration of Onam highlights its importance as a cultural event that promotes unity, diversity, and cultural heritage.
Celebrating Onam in its traditional form has become increasingly challenging in modern times. With people's busy work schedules, many find it difficult to devote time to cooking traditional Kerala cuisine, opting instead to order food from external sources. The complexity of preparing multiple dishes, such as those served in an Onam Sadya, can be overwhelming, leading to a reliance on external services. However, the market has responded to this challenge by offering convenient solutions, such as pre-packaged Onam Sadya kits and home delivery services for traditional dishes. Additionally, innovations like plastic carpets (likely referring to disposable or easy-to-clean table covers) and pre-merchandised traditional desserts have made it easier for people to celebrate Onam without compromising on tradition. These developments have helped to make Onam celebrations more accessible and convenient, allowing people to focus on the cultural and social aspects of the festival. People collect flowers and leaves from their surroundings and create intricate flower carpets, known as Pookalam, in front of their homes. The tradition involves creating increasingly complex and larger designs over the 10 days leading up to Onam, with the final day featuring the most elaborate and vibrant Pookalam. It's a wonderful way to showcase creativity, community spirit, and the beauty of nature.
In conclusion, Onam remains one of the greatest festivals in Kerala, celebrated with immense fervor and enthusiasm. Despite the challenges of modern times, Onam continues to bind people together, fostering a sense of community and social bonding. The festival plays a vital role in sustaining Kerala's rich cultural history and traditions, keeping alive the state's unique heritage and customs. As a celebration that transcends religious and geographical boundaries, Onam stands as a testament to the state's cultural diversity and resilience, making it an integral part of Kerala's identity and a source of pride for its people.
By-
Amalendu k
Student,
Journalism and Mass Communication
Amity University Mumbai
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