![]() Legends of Onam There are various legends surrounding the ancient Hindu festival of Onam and its history dates back to the Sangam period, when the festival used to be celebrated for a month. According to the Vaishnava mythology, it is said that after coming to power the asura king Mahabali was known for his generosity. The Gods were threatened by his growing popularity and so they went to Lord Vishnu for help, who guised himself as a poor Brahmin called the Vamana and arrived at the kingdom of the demon king. He asked Mahabali to grant him the land which he can cover within 3 feet. Being a kind hearted and charitable person, the king granted his wish and soon the Vamana started to grow in size and his first and second step covered the sky and earth. As the Brahmin was about to take the third step, the demon king stepped up and asked him to keep his last step on his head which lead him to Patala. However for the good deeds of Mahabali, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that he can annually visit his people which led to the celebration of the Onam festival. An alternate legend behind the festival rel ![]() Celebration of Onam Significant to the Hindus, the festival of Onam brings people together and eliminates all the religious disparities and propagates harmony in the society. The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onam Sadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a 9 course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes and is served on banana leaves. Across the state of Kerala, the festival of Onam starts off every year with a parade called Athachamayam at Thrippunithura near Kochi. The parade features elephants marching, drum beats and other music, folk art forms, floats and colourfully dressed people with masks. The history of this parade dates back to the time when the Kochi king used to head a grand military procession in full ceremonial robes from his palace to the Thrikkakara temple, meeting and greeting his people. The procession path historically has been from Trippunithura to the Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam district. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu in his Vamana avatar.
![]() On the special day, each and every member of the family wears new clothes or 'vastra'. These people wear new clothes and visit as much temples as they can and take part in lots of dance including 'Thumbi Tullal', 'Thiruvathirakali', 'Pulikhali tribal dance etc. which are some of the few popular dance-forms performed in this southern Indian festival.
![]() Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers are all a part of the dynamic festival of Onam. |
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Onam Festival