essay on Onam 500 words
Introduction:
Onam is associated with harvest season and is celebrated in Kerala every year in August–September in the Malayalam month of “Chingam”. People from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, participate in the festival as a sign of unity and diversity. There’s a saying in Kerala, “kanam vittum onam unnanam,” that says you have to celebrate Onam even if you have to sell your property for that.
Behind Onam, there is a story. Mahabali, a wise and generous king, was in power in Kerala. The gods were worried that their own supremacy would be threatened by the king’s fame and popularity, so they decided to challenge him to a battle with Lord Vishnu, a Hindu god who symbolizes preservation and is worshiped by the king. Lord Vishnu disguised himself Vamana, a poor Brahmin and requested the King for a piece of land that he could measure with his three footfalls. The king asked him to take more land. Vamana refused. He covered the sky and the earth with two feet, and the king gave his head to Vamana so that he could ascend the third step. He was then taken into the next realm. Mahabali then asked God to reveal his identity, and God did so, saying that he had tested the king and was moved by his loyalty. Mahabali is believed to visit Kerala every year during Onam.
Onam celebrations
The Onam festival consists of 10 days of celebrations. The first day and tenth day of Onam have maximum importance. The starting day is “Atham”. From Atham Day onwards, flower patterns known as “Pookalam” are made in the entry of the houses. On the ninth day, known as Utradam day, in traditional Tharavadu (large joint families), members of that Tharavadu jointly visit the Karanavar (the senior member) and participate in “Puthari Sadya” (the feast using new rice).
On the tenth day of “Thiruvonam”, people wake up early in the morning. They wear new clothes, make “pookalam,” visit temples, and participate in celebrations. A grand feast, “Onam Sadya” (Onam Feast), is prepared and served in green leaves.
A large number of people participate in a variety of cultural festivals and competitions, including the Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), Kathakali, and dance competitions.
“Tiger Dance Pulikali” is held in the district of Trissur, where participants take part in colorful processions where they dress up like tigers with paintings on their bodies, costumes, and masks, and they dance mimicking tigers.
Snake boat races, which take place in the backwaters of Kerala’s southern districts, feature narrow boats up to 10 meters long with a curved shape resembling the hood of a snake. The teams of rowers perform synchronized rowing and sing traditional songs in a winning spirit.
Conclusion
Onam celebrations serve as a reminder of the value of maintaining relationships with one’s family, neighborhood, and cultural traditions. All over Kerala, cultural festivals and competitions, including the Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Races), Pulikali (Tiger Dance), Kathakali, and Dance Competitions, are organized.