onam celebration
Onam Celebration
August 19, 2021
Onam Celebration 2021
Onam is an annual Hindu harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala.A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.Drawing from Hindu legends, Onam commemorates King Mahabali.
History
Despite being a demon, King Mahabali was known to be generous and kind, and his reign is regarded as the golden era in Kerala, which is why his ‘return’ is so widely celebrated. According to Vaishnava mythology, it is said that Mahabali came to power by defeating the gods and taking over the three worlds. Gods were unhappy with his popularity and asked for Lord Vishnu’s help in a battle against the demon king. Vishnu agreed to help but did not want to participate in a battle as Mahabali was his ardent devotee. Instead, to help other gods, he took the form of a poor dwarf Brahmin (his Vamana avatar from the Dasavatara) and visited Mahabali, asking the king to grant him three wishes. The Brahmin requested the property right over a piece of land that measures “three paces”, to which Mahabali agreed. The dwarf suddenly grew in size and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his head. But impressed by Mahabali’s devotion and good deeds, Vishnu allowed him to return to earth once a year — it is this annual visit that is celebrated with much fanfare as Onam. It is also a rice harvest festival.
Grand feasts are prepared on this occasion which is known as ‘onasadya’. It comprises 13 dishes. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
Vallamkali or boat race is also common during Onam celebrations. The snake-shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other.
Celebrations also include traditional dance, music and games that are collectively called Onakalikal. All this is done to show King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy.
Despite being a demon, King Mahabali was known to be generous and kind, and his reign is regarded as the golden era in Kerala, which is why his ‘return’ is so widely celebrated. According to Vaishnava mythology, it is said that Mahabali came to power by defeating the gods and taking over the three worlds. Gods were unhappy with his popularity and asked for Lord Vishnu’s help in a battle against the demon king. Vishnu agreed to help but did not want to participate in a battle as Mahabali was his ardent devotee. Instead, to help other gods, he took the form of a poor dwarf Brahmin (his Vamana avatar from the Dasavatara) and visited Mahabali, asking the king to grant him three wishes. The Brahmin requested the property right over a piece of land that measures “three paces”, to which Mahabali agreed. The dwarf suddenly grew in size and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his head. But impressed by Mahabali’s devotion and good deeds, Vishnu allowed him to return to earth once a year — it is this annual visit that is celebrated with much fanfare as Onam. It is also a rice harvest festival.
Grand feasts are prepared on this occasion which is known as ‘onasadya’. It comprises 13 dishes. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
Vallamkali or boat race is also common during Onam celebrations. The snake-shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other.
Celebrations also include traditional dance, music and games that are collectively called Onakalikal. All this is done to show King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy.
Our college also celebrated onam 2021.It was celebrated on August 20 on uthradam day.But due to covid 19 pandemic situation it was conducted through online platform. The program begun at 10am. Anchoring was done by me. It was a great experience for me. Welcome speech was done by Megha. Inaguration was done by our principal Babukuttan sir. Cultural activities from various options was really a feast to our eyes. Vote of thanks was given by Devi.
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