Onam is the most famous festival celebrated in Kerala. It is celebrated during the month of Chingam (a month in Malayalam calendar) that usually starts between mid August and lasts up to mid September.
The celebration is to remember the golden rule of King Mahabali, who ruled Kerala. The legend holds that jealous of King Mahabali’s popularity and power, the devas and gods conspired to end his reign. As per their request, Lord Vishnu came to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin who trampled Mahabali to netherworld. Vamanan asked Mahabali for three feet of land as his wish from the generous Mahabali. In the first two feets, Vamana measured the entire universe, making his third feet nowhere to place. Then King Mahabali offered his own head to place his third feet making his wish complete. Lastly, Lord Vishnu granted the King’s sole wish i.e. to visit his land and people once in every year and is celebrated as Onam in Kerala.
ONAM CELEBRATION
1. Pookkalam
Also known as Athapookkalam or Onapookkalam, it is set up on the floors of homes, offices or public places during Onam festival in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) to welcome the homecoming of mythical King Mahabali. The very sight of Pookkalam or flower carpet ushers in the warmth and vibrancy of Onam festival to our hearts.
Traditional Onam Pookkalam Designs
Traditional Onam Pookkalam designs are usually balanced and follow simple, repeating patterns. Common flowers like marigold, jasmine, and rose are often used, each adding its own color and texture to the design. These Pookkalams often include natural elements like lotus flowers, leaves, and other meaningful symbols.
- Marigold Magic: Marigolds, with their bright yellow and orange colors, are commonly used in traditional Pookkalam designs. Their vibrant shades make the designs stand out and are believed to bring prosperity.
- Lotus Blossom: The lotus is a sacred flower in Hindu culture and is often used in Pookkalams to represent purity and beauty.
- Circular Symmetry: Traditional designs often include circles filled with flowers, creating a beautiful and balanced pattern.
Modern Trends in Onam Pookkalam Designs
While traditional designs hold a special place in our hearts, modern trends in Onam Pookkalam designs have introduced new elements and styles. Contemporary Pookkalams are often more experimental, incorporating a wider range of colors, flowers, and even materials like colored powders and rice.
- Geometric Patterns: Modern designs often use geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and hexagons to create intricate and eye-catching patterns.
- Theme-Based Designs: Some Pookkalams are designed around specific themes, such as social causes, cultural heritage, or even popular events.
- 3D Effects: By carefully layering flowers, modern Pookkalams can achieve a 3D effect, adding depth and dimension to the design.
2. Onam Sadya
Onam is celebrated with a colourful feast served on a banana leaf called ‘Sadhya’. Sadhya is basically the term coined for the feast that is a part of the 10th day of the annual harvest festival Onam, which is also called ‘Onam Sadhya’. The feast is known for its flavours and varieties of dishes.
3. Boat Race
Vallam-kali is a traditional boat race in Kerala, India. It is a form of canoe racing, uses paddled war canoes. It is conducted mainly during the season of the harvest festival Onam in spring. Vallam-kali includes races of many kinds of paddled longboats know as ‘snake boats’. Each team spends about 6-7 lakh rupees for the Nehru Trophy.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the second Saturday of August every year, on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad for watching it. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.
4. Pulikali
Pulikkali is a recreational folk art from in the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam, the annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. The usual time for the celebration of Pulikali is the first week of September on the occasion of Onam. The artists come up with many enactments of different forms that are indeed colorful. Pulikali is a very bright display of recreational folk art in the form of dances. The time for Onam is the perfect time to hit the state as the whole of the state remains engulfed in the festivity mood.
5. Tripunithura Athachamayam
Athachamayam marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. It is an occasion to witness almost all the folk art forms of Kerala.
Conducted every year on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (Leo), the event held at the historical town of Thripunithura is a celebration of a legendary victory of the Raja (King) of Kochi. In olden days it was customary for the king to travel with his entire entourage to the Thripunithura fort. This was also the occasion for his subjects to greet the king and see him at close quarters. The procession, now without the king, still retains its majestic charm, and is conducted in a spectacular manner.
6. Aranmula Valla Sadya
Valla Sadya is a celebration in the Hindu temple at Aranmula, Kerala, India. During the festival, the village conducts a snake boat race in the Pampa River, and there is a feast at the temple. The Valla Sadhya is conducted on Ashtamirohoni day.
