Onam is not just a festival—it is an emotion that touches every Malayali heart, transcending geography, religion and social status. Celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Kerala, Onam symbolizes prosperity, homecoming and harmony. For Malayalis across the world, it is a nostalgic reminder of culture, roots and shared memories.

The Legend of Mahabali

At the heart of Onam lies the legendary tale of King Mahabali, a just and beloved ruler whose reign was marked by peace and equality. According to Hindu belief, Mahabali’s growing power alarmed the gods. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar (a dwarf Brahmin), visited the king and requested three paces of land. When Mahabali agreed, Vamana grew in size and covered the heavens and earth in two steps. For the third, Mahabali offered his own head. Touched by his devotion, Vishnu granted him a yearly return to visit his people.

Onam marks this return—a time when the spirit of Mahabali is believed to visit Kerala and people welcome him with open hearts, grand feasts and joyful celebrations.

When and Where it’s Celebrated
• Duration: 10 days, usually in August–September (Malayalam month of Chingam)
• Key Day: Thiruvonam, the tenth and most important day
• Main Region: Kerala, but celebrations are also visible in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and among Malayali communities in Mumbai, Delhi and overseas (especially in UAE, US and UK)

The Emotional Connect

Onam is more than rituals—it’s a return to roots. For many working outside Kerala, Onam becomes a reason to return home. Trains and buses run full. Airports echo with homecoming joy. It’s about wearing traditional clothes, meeting grandparents, helping in the kitchen and eating together on banana leaves.

The festival stirs deep emotions:
• Nostalgia of childhood games and songs
• Pride in culture and traditions
• Longing for home and family
• Unity, where people from all religions celebrate together

How Onam Is Celebrated

1. Pookkalam (Floral Carpets)

Each day, vibrant flower designs are created at the entrance of homes. These start small and grow bigger until Thiruvonam.
• Children collect flowers at dawn.
• Patterns represent harmony, welcome and creativity.

2. Onasadya (Onam Feast)

The Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, often with over 26 dishes.
Key items include:
• Rice
• Sambar, Parippu (lentil curry), Rasam
• Avial, Thoran, Olan
• Pachadi, Kichadi, Inji Curry
• Banana chips and Sharkkara varatti
• Payasam (sweet dish), the heart of the meal
It’s not just food—it’s a ritual. Everyone sits on the floor and eats together, symbolizing equality.

3. Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races)

Held in Alleppey and surrounding regions, these races feature long snake-shaped boats rowed by over 100 men.
• Drums beat rhythmically.
• Crowds cheer.
• It’s teamwork and passion in motion.

4. Traditional Games (Onakalikal)

Men and women engage in games and activities:
• Pulikali: Men paint themselves as tigers and dance to drums.
• Thumbi Thullal: Women’s group dance with clapping and singing.
• Uriyadi, Tug of War and archery are also common.

5. Cultural Performances

Temples and cultural clubs organize:
• Kathakali performances
• Mohiniyattam and folk dances
• Classical music and poetry recitations

Celebrating Across Religions and Borders

Though rooted in Hindu belief, Onam is celebrated by people of all religions in Kerala. Churches, mosques and schools also host Pookkalams and Sadya.

Outside Kerala, community halls and cultural organizations host Onam events. It is a time for the diaspora to reconnect with culture, language and community.

Modern Touch with Traditional Soul

Today, Onam has extended into offices, malls and tech parks. Brands launch Onam ads. Employees come dressed in Kasavu sarees and mundu. Yet, the core remains:
• Welcoming Mahabali
• Reconnecting with family
• Celebrating equality and abundance

Why Onam Matters

In an age of rapid change, Onam anchors people to timeless values:
• Respect for elders
• Collective joy
• Cultural identity
• Love for nature and simplicity

It reminds us to pause, return home, sit together and celebrate the little things—just like we did once, long ago. Wishing You all Happy Onam!

By: Mr. Jerry Johnson (Sr. Security Executive – Kochi)

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