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Onam (IPA: [oːɳam], Malayalam: ഓണം) is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the south Indian state of Kerala. It is a popular festival among the cultural repertoire of Malayalees, and falls during the month of Chingam (August/September as per the Gregorian calendar), the first month of the Malayalam calendar, and lasts for ten days. Traditionally celebrated as a harvest festival, mythologically it is linked to Malayalee–Hindu folktales; but Onam is celebrated by people of all religions . Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Malayalam ( ) is the language spoken predominantly in the state of Kerala, in southern India. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Languages Malayalam (മലയാളം) Religions Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Related ethnic groups Dravidian people Brahui people Kannadigas Tamils Telugus Tuluvas Malayalee or Malayali (Malayalam: മലയാളി) is the name given to the inhabitants of the state of Kerala. ... Shraavana (Hindi: सावन saavan or श्रावण shraavan) is a month of the Hindu calendar, also known as Sawan. ... A nakshatra (Devanagari: नक्षत्र) or lunar mansion is one of the 27 or 28 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent star(s) in them, that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle, as used in Hindu astronomy and astrology. ... Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam calendar. ... is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A Typical Onam Feast. ... Mary Magdalene in prayer. ... IPA may refer to: The International Phonetic Alphabet or India Pale Ale ... Malayalam ( ) is the language spoken predominantly in the state of Kerala, in southern India. ... Look up Harvest in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... , Kerala ( ; Malayalam: കേരളം; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. ... ... The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar in the world. ... Malayalam calendar (also known as Malayalam Era or Kollavarsham) is a solar Sideral calendar used in the state of Kerala in South India. ... Languages Malayalam (മലയാളം) Religions Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Related ethnic groups Dravidian people Brahui people Kannadigas Tamils Telugus Tuluvas Malayalee or Malayali (Malayalam: മലയാളി) is the name given to the inhabitants of the state of Kerala. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Folklore is the ethnographic concept of the tales, legends, or superstitions current among a particular ethnic population, a part of the oral history of a particular culture. ...

Significance

Onam has been part of Malayalee psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. The earliest record of Onam is found during the time of Kulasekhara Perumals around AD 800, soon after the Kalabhra Interregnum of Kerala History.^{[citation needed]} For other uses of Sangam see Sangam (disambiguation). ... The Kulasekhara dynasty is one of the three surviving royal lineages that ruled the current Indian state of Kerala. ... For other uses of the name Vishnu, see Vishnu (disambiguation). ... Events December 25, Rome, coronation of Charles the Great (Charlemagne) as emperor by Pope Leo III. Celtic monks begin work on the Book of Kells on the Island of Iona. ...

Onam has two specific significances. First it is the communal memory and celebration of past history as enunciated in the Mahabali legend – a story of how paradise was lost. Second it is the celebration of the harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. It is believed that during those days the whole of Chingam was celebrated as Onam season. After the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam, with its privations, Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of Kerala. The festival is the harbinger of spring — signalling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomises the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with visits to temples, family get-togethers, gifting of clothes called Onakkodi and lots of merrymaking. The Keralites perform the Mohiniattam Dance, dedicated to the female form of Vishnu Mohini. There is also the Krishnanaattam dance. Many Keralites also worship Narayani. Sri Narayani Peedam and Sri Bangaru Adigalar of Kerala and their followers claim that these two figures are a forms or avatars of the goddess Sri Narayani. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... , Kerala ( ; Malayalam: കേരളം; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. ... Temple of Hephaestus, an Doric Greek temple in Athens with the original entrance facing east, 449 BC (western face depicted) For other uses, see Temple (disambiguation). ... Mohini is one of the 25 avatar of Vishnu found in the Puranas. ... Narayani Zone of Nepal borders India on the south. ...

Legend

Kashyapa had two wives, Diti and Aditi, who were the parents of demons and demigods (Asuras and Devas) respectively. Indra, the king of demigods, went to war with the king of Asuras. Mahabali, the King of Asuras, defeated Indra and proceeded to occupy Indra's territory. Kashyapa, who had gone to the Himalayas to do penance, on his return found Aditi weeping over the defeat of her son, Indra. By divine insight, Kashyapa recognised the cause of grief. Kashyapa tried to console Aditi who was wailing in grief, saying that nothing happens in the world without God's will and people should go on doing their duties. Kashyapa asked Aditi to pray to Lord Narayana and taught her Payovrata, a ritual that has to be observed from the 12th day of the bright half of Karthika (Sukla-paksha Dwaadasi). Since Aditi carried out the Vrata with a pious heart, Lord Narayana appeared before her and informed her that he would himself place a child in her womb and help Indra. Later, on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, Aditi gave birth to a son of uncommon effulgence. That child, "Vamana-murti", demonstrated his divine powers by doing marvellous deeds even when he was a child. This article is about the Hindu god Kasyapa. ... In Hinduism, Diti is an earth goddess and mother of the Maruts with Rudra. ... In Hinduism, Aditi (Sanskrit - limitless) is a goddess of the sky, consciousness, the past, the future and fertility. ... In Hindu mythology, the Asura are a group of power-seeking deities, sometimes misleadingly referred to as demons. ... For other uses, see Deva (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Indra (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... // In Hinduism In Hindu mythology, the Asura (Sanskrit: असुर) are a group of power-seeking deities, sometimes misleadingly referred to as demons. ... For the movie Himalaya, see Himalaya (film). ... For other uses, see Indra (disambiguation). ... Narayana (नारायण) or Narayan originates as an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu and is in many contemporary vernaculars, a common Indian name. ... Payovrata is a vrata or penance observed to propitiate Lord Vishnu. ... Karthika is an indian film actress of Malayalam films. ... // Etymology The Sanskrit word ‘vrata’ denotes ‘religious vow’. It is one of the most widely used words in the Hindu religious and ritualistic literature. ... The womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ... In Hinduism, Aditi (Sanskrit - limitless) is a goddess of the sky, consciousness, the past, the future and fertility. ...

Balichakravarthi (Bali, The Emperor) or Mahabali, was the grandson of Prahlad, the son of Hiranya Kashyapu who was slayed by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatar. ^{[citation needed]} Asuras dont acknowledge Vishnu as their God. Prahalad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. But his father, who was a devotee of Lord Siva was very angry and hated all other Devas except Lord Siva. One cannot miss the series of warfare between Vishnu and the Asuras - those born of the breath of God. Bali Maharaj, sat in Prahlad's lap as a child and learnt love and devotion of Lord Vishnu from Prahlad. Mahabali's rule was considered as the golden era of Kerala. The celebration of Onam resounds and chants the following song all over Kerala: This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In Hinduism, Prahlad was a son of Hiranyakashipu, a Daitya. ... Vishnu (IAST , Devanagari ), (honorific: Sri Vishnu) also known as Narayana is the Supreme Being (i. ... Yoga Narasimha form at a temple in Vijayanagara, Hampi, India (man-lion) (also spelt as Narasingh, Narasinga) (नरसिंह in Devanagari) is described as the fourteenth incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu within the Puranic texts of Hinduism [1] who takes the form of half-man / half-lion, having a human torso and lower... The ten avatars of Vishnu, copyright BBT In Hindu philosophy, an avatar (also spelt as avatara) (Sanskrit: , ), most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. ... This article is about the Hindu God. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

' When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were as One.
And people live joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Death of the children were never even heard of,
There were no lies,
There is neither theft nor deceit,
And no one is false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged their neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the peoples formed one casteless race.'

The gods were very annoyed as Bali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated the Devas. The gods approached Vishnu and asked for his help to dethrone Mahabali.Mahabali who was performing the sacrificial rite of Viswajith on the banks of Narmada River, declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagna. Vishnu, incarnated in the form of Vamana, a dwarf to defeat the Daityas. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Narmada River in central India The Narmada (Gujarati: નર્મદા Devanagri: नर्मदा or Nerbudda (Narbada) is a river in central India in Indian subcontinent. ... Yagna is an ancient vedic ritual, where sacrifices are made to a particular divinity, using fire (Agni) as a medium. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... In Hinduism, the Daityas were the children of Diti. ...

Vamana came to the Yaga-shala. As he was approaching them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgence form of the young lad. Mahabali went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. Bali with the usual courtesy given to the people who come to ask for help told him Master! It is my good fortune that you have chosen to honour me with your presence. Whatever you desire, I am here ready to fulfill the same. Vamana smiled and said: "You need not give me anything great. It is enough if you give me that extend of land covered by three footsteps of mine". In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... Yaga-shala is pronounced (Yaaga shaala) is a temporary construction built for the purpose of worship in India. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ...

On hearing him, Bali's preceptor, Shukracharya a Daitya priest, who has vision of the future told Bali that the one, who had come to take alms from Bali was not an ordinary Brahmin but Lord Narayana Himself who had assumed this form. He advised Bali not to promise the lad anything. But Bali was a king who would never go back on his word. He told his Guru that he would never break his promise as it was a sin. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfil the demand of Vamana as he had come to deprive Bali of all his possessions. In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ...

Bali, however, was determined to honour the word given to Vamana, begged pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Bali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice he performed the Vishwajit Yagna from which he secured very powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya's help that he was able to conquer Indra. On this occasion, Bali was not prepared to heed the advice of the same preceptor. Shukracharya cursed Bali, saying: 'As you have not heeded your Guru's words, you will be reduced to ashes'. Bali was firm and replied: 'I am prepared to face any consequence but will not go back on my word'. In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ...

Saying so, he asked Vamana to measure the three feet of land as desired by him. All attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Bali from offering the land desired by Vamana proved futile. Bali considered everyone who came to him as god himself and never refused anyone anything that they have asked. Bali told his Guru: "Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are like the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Knowing that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord, who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me." In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ...

Vamana grew in size until he towered above the heavens. With one foot, he measured all of the earth. With the other, he claimed all of the heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Bali owed him. Bali asked to place the final step on his head as the third step of land which Lord Vamana had asked for as alms. Vamana placed the third step on the head of Bali and suppressed him to Patala, the underworld. For the devotion of this Daitya Mahabali, Lord Vishnu (Vamana) granted him rule over Patala. Vamana aka Vishnu granted Bali the boon that he would hold the position of Indra for one Manvantara , thus fulfilling his devotee's desire ( the office of Indra being a rotating position , changing every Manvantara ) . In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... Patala is a town and a nagar panchayat in Ghaziabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. ... In Hinduism, Vamana is the fifth avatar of Vishnu, a dwarf. ... For other uses, see Indra (disambiguation). ... Manvantara (Sanskrit). ... Manvantara (Sanskrit). ...

As a last wish Mahabali was granted the permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites celebrate Onam festival to commemorate the memory of a Great King Mahabali who would keep his promise. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth ("Satya"). The name "Mahabali" itself means Great Sacrifice. Thus Onam celebrates a series of martyrdom of the devoted Daityas. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Satya is a true badman. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Bali's flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The 'Vastra' also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings. People forgetting their sectarian outlooks, join together to welcome the auspicious 'Thiruvonam' day.

The Temple

It is said that a temple was erected around the location where this incident took place. This temple stands over a large area in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam, in Kerala. Onam is celebrated here with great fanfare every year, and concludes with a well-known fireworks show. Thrikkakara is a village panchayat within Ernakulam or Kochi in Kerala state of south India. ... The skyline of Ernakaulam Ernakulam (Malayalam : എറണാകുളം ) refers to the western part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. ... , Kerala ( ; Malayalam: കേരളം; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. ...

Atham pathinu ponnonam

The ten-day celebrations of Onam start on Atham day. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

The important part of the festival opens in some localities on Thiruvonam day and in others on the previous day known as Utradam. On Thiruvonam day, King Mahabali is believed to visit every Malayalee home and meet his people. Houses are cleaned and decorated with flowers and traditional lamps. A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared in every household. The eldest member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Even the poorest of the poor manage to find something for himself to celebrate the national festival in his own humble way. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Thiruvathira kali

Onam comes in the month of "Chingam" according to the Malayalam calendar. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome King Mahabali. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats; Keralites all over the world will be celebrating this ten days will pomp and gaiety. They will wear new dresses, will be visiting almost all temples which they can, they will be performing lot of dances like Thiruvathira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. to name a few and the most important thing is the grant lunch they will be having on the Thiuruvonam day. Which is also called the Fourth Onam. Whatever may happen they will not miss the Grant lunch (sadhya). There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties" which shows the importance of the grand lunch on the Thiruvonam day. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 480 × 360 pixelsFull resolution (480 × 360 pixel, file size: 62 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Thiruvathira kali File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 480 × 360 pixelsFull resolution (480 × 360 pixel, file size: 62 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Thiruvathira kali File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A Typical Onam Feast. ...

Onam is celebrated with focus on different cultural aspects in each place. Athachamayam- a cultural procession takes place in the royal town of Tripunithura near Ernakulam-Kochi, on the Atham day of Chingam, which also marks the beginning of Onam celebrations. At the Vamanamoorthy temple in Thrikkakara, the annual temple festival coincides with Onam. The temple is dedicated to Vamana|Lord Vamana and is directly linked to the mythological background of Onam. Thrippunithura is a satellite town south-east of Ernakulam Cochin City. ... The skyline of Ernakaulam Ernakulam (Malayalam : എറണാകുളം ) refers to the western part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. ... “Cochin” redirects here. ... Thrikkakara Temple (Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple) is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana. ... Thrikkakara is a village panchayat within Ernakulam or Kochi in Kerala state of south India. ...

At Shornur, Kathakali dancers in gorgeous costumes enact the legends. A strikingly impressive procession of caparisoned elephants is taken out at Thrissur. Shoranur a municipal town in Palakkad district, Kerala, South India, situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha. ... Kathakali (IPA: [kat̪ʰakaɭi], Malayalam:�·ഥ�·ളി , Sanskrit:�·थ�·ळि) is a form of Indian dance-drama. ... The Elephants of Kerala are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala, south India. ... , For the district with the same name, see Thrissur district. ...

The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. The last day called the Thiruvonam is the most important. All over the state, rituals along with new clothes, traditional cuisine, dance, and music mark this harvest festival.

In Thrissur, a vibrant procession with resplendently caparisoned elephants is taken out while at Cheruthuruthy, people gather to watch Kathakali performers enact scenes from epics and folk tales. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and thakil. , For the district with the same name, see Thrissur district. ... Cheruthuruthi is a small village in the banks of Barathapuzha, which is 32 km from Trissur town, Kerala state, south India. ... Kathakali (IPA: [kat̪ʰakaɭi], Malayalam:�·ഥ�·ളി , Sanskrit:�·थ�·ळि) is a form of Indian dance-drama. ... Puli Kali (Puli = Tiger & Kali = Play in Malayalam language) also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season, an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. ... Puli Kali (Puli = Tiger & Kali = Play in Malayalam language) also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season, an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. ...

At Aranmula, during Onam days the famous Aranmula Vallam Kali is conducted. Aranmula is a suburb of Kozhencherry, in the state of Kerala in India. ... Snake Boat in Kerala At Aranmula, where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna, thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to witness the exciting snake boat races. ...

The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas. Young men and women, decked in their best, sing Onappaattu, or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung from high branches.

Onam activities

A typical onam sadhya

The most important things about Onam are the onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and onam sadhya, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with at least an array of 4 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served . Dessert - is usually 'payasam ' a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories. Image File history File links Sadhya. ... Image File history File links Sadhya. ... A Typical Onam Feast. ...

During Onam, people create a multi-coloured floral decoration on the ground in the front of their home called pookkalam. Young children especially girls are often entrusted with the task of gathering and laying out the flowers in elaborate patterns. Competitions are held on onam day to create this floral design. It is usually 1.5m in Diameter usually in circular shape. A lamp is usually placed as part of the design.

The Vallamkali (the snake boat race) is another event that is synonymous with Onam. Well-known races include the Aranmula Boat Race and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. About 100 oarsmen row huge and graceful snake boats and men and women come from far and near to watch the snake boats skim through the water. Vallam Kali (or Vallamkali) literally means boat game (race) in Malayalam. ... Aranmula Boat Race The two day Aranmula Boat Race is more a water fiesta than a competition, conducted during Onam. ... Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one the famous Vallam Kali held in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala state in south India. ...

During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home just as Hindus install images or murtis of Lord Ganesh on the Ganesh Chaturi festival. Popular image of Ganesh In Hinduism, Ganesha (Gaṇeśa, lord of the hosts, also spelled Ganesa and sometimes referred to as Ganesh in Hindi, Bengali and other Indian vernaculars) is the god of wisdom, intelligence, education and prudence. ...

This festival is also important because of its popularity with all communities within Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with, and is connected to the Hindu religion, it is celebrated today with equal fervour by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala.

See also

• Mahabali
• Kerala
• Onathallu
• Sadhya
• List of Harvest Festivals

This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... , Kerala ( ; Malayalam: കേരളം; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. ... A Typical Onam Feast. ... Harvest festivals around the world Thanksgiving (United States), the holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. ...

External links

• Onam Celebrations 2007, History, dances, boat races, pookalam
• Onam Festival 2007, celebrations, customs, traditions and cultural significance of Onam in Kerala
• Onam online greeting cards
• Onam Festival information
• Real Paper Onam Greeting Cards
• Raj Nair's Onam Feast Menu
• Hindu-festivals.com Onam Greeting Cards
• Gourmetindia.com Onam Recipes
• Online Pookkalam competition from gameZindia.com, which gives out great prizes for the best design!

v • d • e Festivals in the Hindu calendar
Major Festivals	Sankranti (Pongal) · Holi · Rama Navami · Krishna Janmashtami · Ganesh Chaturthi and Gowri Habba  · Navaratri (Dasara) and Durga Puja (Vijayadashami) · Diwali and Bhau-Beej
Regional New Year	Vaisakhi · Ugadi · Vishu · Puthandu · Onam
Holy Days	Satyanarayana Pooja · Karwa Chauth · Thaipusam · Maha Shivaratri · Ekadasi · Mahalakshmi Vrata · Ayya Vaikunda Avataram · Raksha Bhandan