Onam and Thiruvonam: A Festival with a Story and Many Traditions

Onam is one of the favourite festivals of Kerala. It is a festivity of flowers, food, family gathering, music, and joy. Even though it is a festivity of Kerala and Malayali culture, other communities also join in. Besides being associated with the harvest period and the legendary King Mahabali, Onam festival lasts for ten days starting with Atham and finishing with Thiruvonam.

It is quite common that people use terms Onam and Thiruvonam interchangeably; however, these notions do not have the same meaning. Onam is a ten-day festivity, while Thiruvonam is the main and the last day of the festivity period. It marks the peak of the festivity with family reunion, traditional dinner preparation, and welcoming the spirit of prosperity and happiness brought by Mahabali.

Why We Celebrate Onam

The most famous legend concerning the festival is about the King Mahabali, Maveli. According to Hindu mythology, he was a kind and respectable ruler of the prosperous, peaceful and happy state. His generosity towards his people made him very popular. His popularity grew so much that gods got concerned.

Lord Vishnu appeared before the King in the form of a dwarf Brahmin – Vamana. Vamana asked Mahabali for three steps of land. The King gave his consent. Then Vamana took a huge shape and occupied both the earth and the heaven with the first two steps of his feet. Having no place for the third step, Mahabali offered him his head. Lord Vishnu, having been impressed with his humility and devotion, allowed the King to return back each year to see his subjects. Onam festival is dedicated to his yearly visit.

In addition, Onam is associated with the period of harvest, prosperity, and good expectations for the future year. The festivity takes place in Chingam – the first month of the Malayalam calendar, which falls between August and September. It marks the time of harvest and the period of abundance and prosperity. Thus, Onam is not only about the old legend but also it encourages people to be grateful to Mother Nature, food, family and blessings they get.

Thiruvonam and its Significance

Thiruvonam is the tenth and the most significant day of the main Onam festivity period. It is supposed that King Mahabali visits his people this day. People clean up and decorate their houses, wear new clothes, and have family meetings. For many Malayali families, it is the day when everybody tries to come back home even if they live or work in another town.

One of the most amazing traditions is to prepare Pookkalam – a floral decoration, placed near the entrance of the house. In ten days of the festivity, flower design becomes bigger and more colorful. During Thiruvonam, families prepare special Pookkalam out of fresh flowers. Such decoration gives festive atmosphere to the house and also allows parents and their children to have fun and have time for family.

Another important component of the Thiruvonam is the Onam Sadhya. It is a traditional vegetarian dinner, served on a banana leaf and including such dishes as rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pickles, papad and payasam. The menu varies according to the taste of particular family or region. However, the Sadhya is not only about the dinner but also about sitting together and sharing it.

How Is Onam Celebrated

The festivity period starts with Atham and lasts for several days. People decorate their houses, make Pookkalam, purchase new clothes, and prepare special food. Traditional games, music and cultural performances are also the components of the festivity period. In Kerala, there are other events like Vallam Kali, Pulikali and traditional dance performances.

During Thiruvonam morning, people traditionally put on their traditional clothes and prepare for the day celebrations. Some people visit temples, while others just make simple prayers at home. Children play traditional games, swing and participate in cultural activities. Then all family gathers and shares dinner, which is often the most delicious dinner of the year.

The beauty of Onam is that it brings people together. It teaches people to appreciate kindness, generosity and equality. The legend of the King Mahabali reminds people about the ruler who was beloved by his people. Until today, the festivity is celebrated by Malayalis all over India and in different countries.

Onam and Thiruvonam: A Festival of Togetherness

The Onam festivity is more than just colorful celebration. It is a time to stop working routine and spend some quality time with relatives and friends. The flowers, traditional clothes as well as delicious Sadhya make the celebration wonderful, but the true essence of Onam is togetherness.

Thiruvonam brings all these traditions to their highest point. From welcoming Mahabali to making Pookkalam and sharing a meal, every custom carries a simple message of happiness, gratitude & unity. That is why Onam continues to hold such a special place in the hearts of people, generation after generation.