Onam 2022 celebration begins from 30 August- 8 September. Here is the significance and story behind Onam.
Highlights:
- The festival of a demon king
- A harvest festival
- How do people celebrate Onam?
- Scroll for more…
Onam 2022: Celebrated mainly in Kerala, Onam falls on the first day of Chingam month, according to the Malayali Calendar.
The calendar is followed in Kerala for all festivals. Auspicious occasions are the Malayali Era, also called Kollavarsham or Kolla Era. Based on the 12 zodiacs, Chingam, or Singham, is Leo. Hence, the Malayali calendar begins with the month of Leo.
Onam: The festival of a demon king
Legend has it that there once lived a mighty Demon King – Mahabali . However, despite being a mighty Demon King, he was also very righteous.
He extended his rule with the strength to the entire earth, the underworld, and the Heavens. After he defeated the Gods, in panic, they approached Lord Vishnu (one of Hinduism’s holy Trinity) to help them restore the celestial balance.
Knowing that Mahabali is righteous and an honourable person. Lord Vishnu adopted the form of a small Brahmin (or Vamana). He then approached King Mahabali and asked for alms. On being promised whatever he desired, he asked only for land equal to three of his steps. To which King Mahabali readily agreed.
Vamana then expanded his size to his proper form, which was as big as the Universe. With one step, he covered the entire earth and underworld, and with the other, the Heavens. Now, there was no space left for his third step.
Being the Honourable soul that he was and realising that Vamana was none other than Lord Vishnu himself, Mahabali bent down and offered his own head to Vamana for his third step.
As Vamana stepped on King Mahabali’s head, he was pressed down, deep into the underworld. However, seeing his honourable conduct and devotion, Lord Vishnu raised King Mahabali to the highest Heaven with a boon that he may visit his beloved subjects once a year.
That day is celebrated as Onam, where his loyal subjects still welcome him into their homes with lots of Love and Honour. This is the legend of Onam.
Onam: A harvest festival
ONAM is the principal Hindu Festival of Kerala. Heralding the Malayali New Year, it falls within August or September of the English Calendar. Onam’s origins are shrouded in Hindu Mythology, celebrated not only as the New Year but also as a harvest festival.
How do people celebrate Onam?
Being the start of the New Year and the Harvest festival of great bonhomie, fun, and festivities, it is also celebrated by people of all denominations. The celebrations last a few days, marked by visits to Temples, Kathak, and other dance performances, food, and Boat races, which are symbolic of Onam.
The most important and regal of all is the famous Elephant procession at Thrissur, reminiscent of a bygone era. Inaugurated by the erstwhile ruler of Tanjore State, the elephants are caparisoned in gold and other precious ornaments and elaborate designs, topped with a beautiful silk parasol.
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During the festival, ladies make elaborate “Pookalam” – floral patterns with oil lamps and offerings outside their houses to welcome the mythical king Mahabali. He is said to have ruled this region in times immemorial.
Onam holds a special place in Kerala and the rest of India, with its message of Enlightenment with Forgiveness.
How are you celebrating Onam 2022?
