Onam 2023

GS I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 

• Onam is a significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, primarily by Malayali people.
• It usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which corresponds to the months of August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
• Onam is counted for ten days starting from Malayalam Star Atham.
• Thiruvonam considered as the main day.
• Onam is a ten-day festival that marks the harvest season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor.
• The exact date of Onam varies each year based on the Malayalam calendar, but it typically falls in August or September.
• The festival is a reflection of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and it showcases the warmth and hospitality of the Malayali people.
• It is a time when families come together to celebrate, share meals, and create lasting memories.

Legend of King Mahabali

• The Benevolent King
  • King Mahabali is celebrated as a benevolent and virtuous ruler who once ruled over the region that is now known as Kerala.

    

  • His reign was considered a golden era of prosperity, justice, and equality.
• The Story of Vamana
  • The legend of King Mahabali is closely associated with the mythological story of Lord Vishnu’s fifth avatar, Vamana.
  • According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin boy, Vamana, to test Mahabali’s devotion and humility.
  • Mahabali was known for his generosity and had gained immense power and wealth through his good deeds.
  • To curb his growing influence, the gods sought Vishnu’s help.
• The Promise of Three Steps
  • In the story, Vamana approached King Mahabali during a grand yagna (sacrificial ritual) that the king was conducting.
  • Vamana, in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, requested three paces of land.
  • Mahabali, known for his generosity, agreed to the request.
  • However, to everyone’s surprise, Vamana transformed into a giant and covered the entire earth with one step, the heavens with the second step, and asked Mahabali where to place his third step.
• Mahabali’s Sacrifice
  • King Mahabali, true to his word, offered his own head for Vamana’s third step.
  • This act of selflessness and devotion moved Lord Vishnu, who was pleased with Mahabali’s humility.
  • As a result, Vamana granted Mahabali a boon, allowing him to visit his kingdom and people once a year.

Key Aspects of Onam 2023

• Harvest Festival
  • Onam is primarily a harvest festival that celebrates the rice harvest season in Kerala.
  • It is a time when farmers reap the rewards of their hard work in the fields.
• Pookalam
  • One of the most iconic features of Onam is the creation of intricate floral designs called Pookalam or Athapookalam in front of homes.
  • These designs are made using various colorful flower petals and are considered a symbol of prosperity and creativity.
• Onam Sadya
  • A grand feast known as the  Onam Sadya is an essential part of the celebration.
  • It is a vegetarian banquet served on banana leaves and typically includes a variety of dishes, such as rice, sambar, avial, payasam, and more.
• Traditional Attire
  • During Onam, people wear traditional Malayali attire.
  • Men often wear the white dhoti and shirt
  • Women wear the traditional saree called kasavu saree with a golden border.
• Cultural Performances
  • Onam is marked by various cultural performances and activities, including folk dances like Kathakali and Thiruvathirakali, music, and boat races
  • A famous Boat race is Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
• Shopping and Decorations
  • In the run-up to Onam, markets are bustling with shoppers buying new clothes, home decor items, and gifts for loved ones.
  • Homes are decorated with colorful flower arrangements, lamps, and other festive decorations.
• Public Celebrations
  • Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala, with public events, processions, and competitions held in many towns and cities.
  • It is a time of unity and joy for the people of Kerala.

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