Celebrating Onam

Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated by the Keralan community in India and diaspora around the world. It is a 10 day harvest festival culminating with Thiruvonam, the main day of celebration. Onam celebrates nature's beauty and abundance and pays tribute to what sustains us. Onam serves as a timeless reminder of our duty as human beings to cherish and fiercely protect our earth for the ones who come after. Our colleagues Anson and Shiva have shared with us their personal insights about this wonderful celebration.

History and Significance

Shiva shared with us that the history of Onam is to celebrate the homecoming of the benevolent and generous ruler, King Mahabali. The story goes that the devas were upset that King Mahabali defeated Indra (the king of the devas) and sought refuge in Lord Vishnu to bring their king back to power. Lord Vishnu agrees and comes back to earth and banishes King Mahabali from the land. However, Lord Vishnu grants King Mahabali his wish of returning back to his people every year.

Traditions and Rituals

Onam has many traditions and rituals that can vary based on which part of Kerala it is being celebrated. Anson has kindly shared below some of the key traditions and rituals of Onam:

• Pookalam: An intricate floral pattern laid at the entrance of homes, typically made with various fresh flowers.
• Onasadya: The grand Onam feast that is traditionally served on a banana leaf. The plate consists of rice numerous vegetarian dishes, a pappadam and sweets like banana or payasam. It is an elaborate meal that embodies the spirit of sharing and abundance during the festival.
• Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Performers paint their bodies as tigers and leopards and dance to the beat of drums. This vibrant street folk art is a significant attraction, especially in Thrissur, celebrating the festive spirit.
• Vallamkali (Boat Race): A traditional snake boat races held in the backwaters of Kerala. Teams of rowers in long, narrow boats compete fiercely, creating a thrilling spectacle and showcasing communal spirit. This is a very big event in Kerala that draws in celebrities and large crowds.
• Vadamvali (Tug-of-War): A popular and energetic game played during Onam, where two teams compete to pull a thick rope to their side. It's a display of strength, teamwork, and friendly competition.
• Lemon and Spoon Race - Just like the Egg and Spoon race but with a lemon instead!
• Nilavilakku : An oil lamp that is lit for special occasions, including Onam.

Reflections from Anson & Shiva

Anson and Shiva shared some of their fond memories of Onam throughout the years. Shiva said that he grew up in Mumbai and the first time he celebrated Onam in Kerala was last year while attending a cousin's wedding. He was able to participate in games and spend time with family members he had not seen for many years.

Anson recalls the family and friend gatherings where each family would each bring a dish to serve for the Sadhya. Sadhya begins with the children the first to eat and being served by the parents. There is even a specific way that the meal is served - the rice going first and then all the different vegetable curries. Once the children have finished their meal, it is custom to fold the banana leaf plate so that everyone knows you have completed your meal. Once the last person finishes, everyone gets up and changes places with the adults being served by the children.

We asked Anson and Shiva what they wish more people knew about Onam. Shiva said he wished people knew about the beautiful traditions associated with Onam because they are unique and special. Anson said that he wished people knew how good the food is as most people have a limited view of Indian food and don't appreciate how diverse it is - especially the delicious Onam dishes!

Wishing you a joyous Onam

This year, Anson and Shiva will be celebrating Onam with their family and friends, ensuring to enjoy the best part of the celebration, the Sadhya. As Shiva put it, "There is no better nights rest than that after the Sadhya!" We want to wish Anson, Shiva and to all that are celebrating - ഓണാശംസകൾ.

Share your Onam traditions with us!