How we Celebrate Onam: Kerala’s Grand Harvest Festival

Onam, the vibrant and joyous harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, cultural fervor, and spiritual devotion. Spanning ten days, it usually falls between August and September, with the most significant day being Thiruvonam, when families across Kerala come together to honor tradition, enjoy sumptuous feasts, and engage in cultural festivities. At the heart of Onam is the legendary story of King Mahabali, whose annual visit is eagerly awaited by his people.

The Legend of King Mahabali

The story of Onam begins with Mahabali, a noble and generous Asura king. Mahabali ruled Kerala with wisdom, fairness and compassion. Under his reign, the kingdom experienced unmatched prosperity, with no poverty or suffering. His people adored him for his humility and kindness.

However, the gods became concerned about Mahabali's increasing influence, fearing it could challenge the heavenly order. To test him, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a small Brahmin boy, and approached Mahabali during a sacrificial ritual. Vamana asked for just three paces of land, and Mahabali, true to his generosity, agreed without hesitation.

Vamana then transformed into a giant form, covering the earth in his first step and the heavens in his second. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali the boon to return to his kingdom once a year, which is celebrated as Onam. This legend reflects themes of humility, devotion, and the cyclical nature of life.

Onam Rituals and Traditions

Pookalam (Floral Rangoli)

One of the most enchanting aspects of Onam is the creation of Pookalam, intricate floral arrangements made at the entrance of homes. Each day of the festival sees the Pookalam grow larger and more vibrant. Flowers of various colors symbolize happiness, prosperity, and the welcoming of King Mahabali to every household.

Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race)

Kerala’s famous snake boat races or Vallam Kali are an iconic part of Onam. These long, slender boats, adorned with colorful decorations, race through rivers with rowers synchronized to traditional boat songs. It’s a spectacular display of skill, teamwork and Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

Pulikali (Tiger Dance)

In Pulikali, performers paint themselves like tigers and dance to the beat of traditional drums. This playful performance represents the triumph of good over evil and adds a lively, energetic touch to the festival.

Kummattikali (Masked Dance)

Kummattikali is a colorful masked dance where performers wear vibrant wooden masks and enact folk stories, moving rhythmically through the streets. It’s a crowd favorite, especially among children.

Onam Sadhya: The grand feast

No Onam celebration is complete without the Onam Sadhya, a lavish vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya typically consists of 25 to 30 dishes, including:

• Rice: The centerpiece of the meal

• Avial: A mix of vegetables and coconut

• Sambar and Rasam: Flavored lentil soups

• Olan and Kalan: Traditional Kerala curries

• Pickles and Pachadi: Sweet, sour, and tangy accompaniments

• Chips and Upperi: Crispy snacks

• Payasam and Ada Pradhaman: Sweet puddings for dessert

The meal is not just a culinary delight but also a symbol of community, gratitude and the joy of harvest. Traditionally, families sit together and guests are served in multiple courses, celebrating abundance and togetherness.

Kathakali and Traditional Arts

Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance drama, is a hallmark of Onam celebrations. Performers wear elaborate costumes, intricate face makeup, and ornate headgear to enact stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Each gesture and expression in Kathakali conveys deep emotions, blending rhythm, music and storytelling.

Other art forms like Thiruvathira Kali (circle dance for women) and folk dances enrich the cultural fabric of Onam. These performances, along with music and temple rituals, create a festive atmosphere that’s both spiritual and celebratory.

Onam decorations and Spiritual practices

Onam is also a time to decorate homes with lamps (vilakku), adorn spaces with flowers, and set up traditional thalis for rituals. Families perform prayers to express gratitude for the harvest, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.

Some traditional Onam items include:

• Ashtamangala Thali Set: Essential for performing poojas

• Nila Vilakku (Kerala-style oil lamp): Symbolizes divine light

• Three Branch Diya: Adds elegance and sacred ambiance

• Kathakali Décor: Represents Kerala’s artistic heritage

• Decorative Diyas: For auspicious occasions and home décor

These elements not only enhance the spiritual experience but also bring authenticity to your Onam celebrations.

 

 Celebrate Onam with Pujalane’s Traditional Collection

Make your Onam memorable with Pujalane’s curated collection of traditional items, perfect for rituals and decoration. With Pujalane’s products, you can celebrate Onam in style, combining tradition with elegance.

Conclusion

Onam is more than a festival, it is a celebration of heritage, devotion and unity. From the legendary story of Mahabali Raja to the grand Sadhya, vibrant Pookalam, thrilling boat races, and captivating Kathakali performances, Onam showcases the richness of Kerala’s culture. Incorporate Pujalane’s traditional products into your celebrations to honor these customs while adding a touch of elegance to your home.

Celebrate Onam with love, joy, and tradition, welcoming prosperity and happiness into your life and home.