By P.Manurachna
ONAM is a 10-day (based on 10 stars) celebration remarking the annual harvest festival of Kerala.
Onam festival is widely celebrated by Malayalees across the world in August or September.
Along these days, the grand celebration will be on 10th day known as Thiruvonam.
This day becomes more auspicious as its welcoming the homecoming of King Mahabali.
In Malaysia, Onam festival will be celebrated on the 10th day.
Rajiv Menon, 30, however said only some Malaysian Malayalees practice all 10 days to put pookalam (floral mats) daily at home entrance.
“Giving gifts and Onasadya to relatives and friends are still being practiced here but not as in Kerala,” he told The Hindu Press.
“Some of us make clay images representing Mahabali and Vamana on the eighth day, giving life to the image on 9th day with evening mantra.
“Then, on tenth day, it will be kept on Pookalam. The 10th day sadhya is also a must with 13 to 16 dishes at home. For this year, we went to temple in the morning wearing new clothes and have Onasadhya with family,” said Rajiv happily as a relief in lockdown observed in Malaysia.
Onam in Kerala
Meanwhile, popular Malayalam actress Dr.Vinduja Menon, shared on Onam celebration in Kerala, when contacted by The Hindu Press.
Following are the edited excerpts:
How’s the Onam celebration in Kerala?
There will be pookalam, sadhya, games observed during these days. Pookalam which will be done by kids. Once they bath, they will need to pick flowers of 10 different kinds to make pookalam which will be decked over the days.
Sadhya preparation will be by women taking charge of kitchen, preparation of sadhya along with sharing sessions. Games such as onappanthu (ball), ambaiyal (bow), kambithayam, kilikali (bird),Cheetukali (cards) will be organised and played by men.
In Kerala, everyone lives as a huge family in Taraveda (family home) with all relatives unlike as nuclear family. On this day, everyone comes together for this celebration.
Onam is having all under one roof. Nowadays, in Kerala, no festivals are observed as religious festival whereas everyone celebrate. During Onam, neighbours are invited and sadya is provided.
Here in Kerala, over 2 – 3 years, celebration is not so grand as lockdown, massive floods. But everytime Onam is around the corner, all memories are back. Gift exchages are known as Onam Kordi.
In every district, Onam sadya varies, for instance in Malabar, it will be more of non-veg and in Eastern Kerala, pure veg meal will be served.
About Onam
A visit of highly loved ruler, King Mahabali. A powerful and highly famed Asura ruler. Bali is extremely generous and kind-hearted demon.
Gods were insecured and asked help from Lord Vishnu (Bali worshipped). Lord Vishnu agreed to help but told that would never get into war. Thus, Lord transformed into Vamana (dwarf Brahmin), went to King Mahabali’s kingdom, for three wishes-a piece of land for three steps.
King agreed to fulfil the wishes. Thereafter, Vamana became gigantic with his first step (earth), second (Sky) and for third, Bali requested to place on his head, pushed into underworld.Lord Vishnu was impressed with King Mahabali’s worship and granted him a wish to visit his people and kingdom annually which is during Onam.
Thiru-Southern referrals to Lord Vishnu
Onam-one of the 27 stars
ThiruOnam – on the star when Lord Vishnu pressed King Mahabali to underworld with his feet
10 days on its parr:
1. Atham- Attachamayam(flag off at Thrippunithura,near Cochin-Bali banished), King prepares to visit Kerala, Athapoo laid on Pookalam
2. Chithira-Home cleanings occurs, another layer for Pookalam added
3. Chodhi-Family bonding time (shopping trips); Gift exchange happened (Onakodi)
4. Vishakam-Onasadhya kickstarts;traditional spread(9course meal with 26 dishes)
5. Anizham-Vallamkali(snake boat race), flagged off on 5th day from Aranmula in Pathanamthitta (on banks of Pamba river)
6. Thriketa-Families visiting ancestral homes; Pookalam will be decked to 6 layers
7. Moolam-Dance performances (Puli Kali/Kaduva Kali);Mundu dance around Pookalam&Nila Vilaku known as Thiruvathira Kali; floral swing will be fixed in courtyards to welcome Bali
8. Pooradam-Figurine of Bali and Vamana taken around home and kept in centre of Pookalam;Bali’s figurine called as Onathappan
9. Uthradam-Onam’s eve;preparation of grand sadhya begins;its believed that Bali will be blessing his people and visiting his kingdom
10. Thriruvonam-Early bath,new clothes; everyone will enjoy the sadhya on plantain leaf by sitting on the floor (custom reflection of equality of mankind)
POOKALAM – Flowers
1. Thumba or Ceylon Slitwort
2. Tulasi
3. Chethi or Flame Of The Woods
4. Chemparathy or Hibiscus or Shoe Flower
5. Sankhupushpam or Butterfly Pea
6. Jamanthi or Marigold
7. Mandaram
8. Kongini or Lantana
9. Hanuman Kereedam or Red Pagoda Flower
10. Mukuthi
