Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala State. Yet, there is a lot more to Onam than being just a festival. Onam reflects the faith of the people of Kerala. They believe in their legendary past, religion and power of worship. Onam shows the high spirit of the people. They go out of the way to celebrate the festival. They follow the festival in prescribed manner and in grand fashion.
Best of Season and Weather
Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated when everything appears to be good and abundant. During this festival, the landscape of Kerala is full of radiance. Also, this time coincides with the Malayalam New Year. The weather contributes by becoming pleasantly warm and sunny. It seems even the weather seeks to be a part of the festival. When fields look brilliant with a bountiful harvest, farmers are on the top of the world. They watch with pride the results of their hard labour.
Children’s Joy and Homecoming
Children eagerly wait for the arrival of the carnival. Why shouldn’t they? Children get new clothes, toys and other goodies. They get things they asked for and thought of. Several uncles, aunts and grandmas grace their wishes with delight. This is the time for homecoming for people who stay away from the families. Their arrival multiplies the joy of the festival several folds.
Welcoming a Very Special Visitor
Onam welcomes the most special visitor of Kerala. He is the beloved legendary King Maveli who gave the people a golden era in Kerala. King Maveli is so attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he returns annually. He comes from the nether world to see if his people are living happily. In order to honour King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, that Onam is celebrated.
Cultural Extravaganza
One of the most marvellous facets of Onam is the unfolding of its rich and well-established culture. We see not just glimpses but a whole gamut of it in the ten-day-long carnival. Several tradition folk dances including Pulikali, Kaikottikali, Kummattikalli, Kathakali, Thumbi Thullal are performed. In addition, there are other folk arts and traditional performances seen all on one platform called Onam.
Of Unity and Team Spirit
The beauty of the Onam festival lies in its secular fabric. People from all religion, caste, and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Also, Onam helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood. This is enabled by the way various team sports organised on the day.
Onam is the passion of the people of Kerala. And, pride of India!