The Onam festival is the most important celebration in the southern state of Kerala, it is a tribute to culture, devotion and abundance. This festival, which is celebrated for ten days in the month of Chingam (between August and September), has a deep mythical origin that captivates locals and visitors alike. Every year, Onam attracts people from all over the world, eager to experience the warm hospitality of Kerala.
I had the opportunity to enjoy this festival with my loved ones in Kerala and it has been a very enriching and emotional experience. A celebration far from the colorful and bustling festivals of the north but with the same symbolism of union and connection.
The Meaning of Onam
Onam is a celebration commemorating the legend of King Mahabali, a demon monarch known for his wisdom, generosity and love for his people. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali ruled Kerala in a golden age, when the kingdom flourished in peace and prosperity. His subjects lived in harmony and no one went hungry or suffered injustice. However, his growing power and popularity worried the gods, who feared he might overshadow them. To maintain the cosmic balance, the god Vishnu manifested himself in his fifth avatar, Vamana, a small dwarf Brahmin, and visited the king.
The story relates how Vamana asked the king to grant him as much land as he could cover with three steps. Mahabali, not knowing that the Brahmin was Vishnu in disguise, generously agreed. Vamana grew to a divine immensity and with one step covered the earth, with the second step covered the heavens, and for the third, Mahabali, true to his promise, offered his own head. Moved by his sacrifice, Vishnu allowed Mahabali to return once a year to Kerala to visit his people. Onam is that long-awaited visit, a reminder of a time of abundance, generosity and boundless love.
How Onam is Celebrated
Onam celebrations are spread over ten days and each day has a special name and significance, beginning with Atham and culminating on Thiruvonam, the most sacred and awaited day. During these days, families go to great lengths to clean and decorate their homes, symbolizing the welcoming of the spirit of Mahabali. The entrance of the houses are beautified with"Pookalam", beautiful floral carpets that grow in size and complexity as the days progress.
Music and dance also play a fundamental role. The streets and courtyards are filled with performances of Thiruvathira, a dance performed by women dressed in traditional saris and adorned with jewelry, symbolizes joy and femininity. The majestic spectacles of Kathakali, with their elaborate costumes and dramatic expressions, they tell epic stories and capture the essence of the art of Kerala. The Pulikali, where men painted as tigers dance to the rhythm of the drums, is a vibrant and unique spectacle that represents the energy and indomitable spirit of the festival.
Another one of Onam's most exciting activities is the snake boat races (Vallamkali) that take place in the rivers and lakes of Kerala.
Best Places to Celebrate Onam
If you are planning to experience the Onam celebration firsthand, these are some of the most emblematic places to live it to the fullest:
- Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram): Kerala's capital becomes the epicenter of festivities. Parades, dances and music performances at places like the Kowdiar Palace and the Secretariat Complex make the city a hive of culture and excitement. The streets are decorated with lights, and the markets offer a variety of handicrafts and sweets.
- Kochi (Cochin): Famous for its lively celebration, Kochi hosts events such as the Athachamayam parade, a blend of history, legends and folk art. Kochi's historic harbor witnesses majestic parades featuring traditional artists, decorated floats and performances that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Alappuzha (Alleppey): Known for its iconic snake boat races, Alappuzha is the perfect place to witness the thrilling Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The energy felt on the water and in the stands is unparalleled, a spectacle that unites locals and tourists in a single heartbeat.
- Thrissur: Known as the cultural heart of Kerala, Thrissur offers a complete experience with parades, Kathakali performances and elaborate Pookalams. Temples and community spaces are filled with devotees and visitors participating in collective prayers and celebrations.
Onam's Typical Food
It is impossible to talk about Onam without mentioning its traditional banquet, the Onam Sadhya. This sumptuous vegetarian feast is served on banana leaves and consists of more than 20 dishes. It is a representation of Kerala's hospitality and abundance.
Among the most outstanding delicacies are:
- Avial: a blend of cooked vegetables with coconut and spices, which provides a creamy texture and a balanced flavor.
- Thoran: a dry dish of finely chopped vegetables, sautéed with coconut, mustard and turmeric, which adds a fresh and crunchy touch.
- Sambar: Lentil stew with tamarind and vegetables, whose combination of acid and spicy flavors is a delight.
- Pachadi and Kichadi: sweet and savory versions with yogurt and fruits or vegetables, which bring freshness to the palate.
- Erissery: A dish of pumpkin and beans with coconut, which is essential in the Sadhya.
- Payasam: Onam's sweet dessert par excellence, a kind of pudding made of rice, milk and sugar, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Each Sadhya dish has a purpose and meaning, from stimulating the appetite to closing the meal with a sweet touch that symbolizes fullness. Eating an Onam Sadhya is more than a culinary experience; it is a celebration of culture, tradition and gratitude.
Onam is not just a festival, is a reminder of the importance of unity, tradition and love for the land and its people. To participate in the festivities is to be a witness to the soul of Kerala, . If you have the opportunity to experience Onam, don't miss it!
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