In the month of Chingam (mid-August – mid-September), the people of Kerala prepare to celebrate their biggest festival and also welcome their ancient ruler, Mahabali, who is believed to leave his abode in Patal and visit the earth at this time. Onam is a harvest festival. It lasts ten days. The first day is Atham, and the tenth day is Thiruvonam. The last day is the most important day of the festival.
Legend behind Onam
According to mythology, Kerala was once ruled by a benevolent Asura king called Mahabali. It was a golden era for the people of Kerala. Mahabali came to rule both heaven and earth and was revered by his subjects. But, unfortunately for Mahabali, the gods became jealous of him. They approached Vishnu and asked him to oust Mahabali from power. Vishnu agreed and took the avatar of Vamana for this purpose. He tricked Mahabali into giving up everything and sent him to the underworld or Patal. But as he had been a good and just king who brought peace and prosperity during his reign, Vishnu allowed him to visit his subjects once a year. Mahabali’s visit is celebrated as the Onam festival every year.
There are many interesting Onam rituals that are associated with each of the 10 days of Onam.
Let us find out how people celebrate each day of Onam.
1. Atham
Atham marks the first day of the Onam festival. Supposedly, on this day, Mahabali begins his preparations for making the journey to Kerala. In earlier days, there was a military procession. But after Kerala gained freedom, this gave way to a grand procession called Athachamyam, featuring music, dancing, elephant processions, and folk art presentations. This procession begins at Thrippunitthura, near Kochi, as people believe that Mahabali was banished from the earth at this place. The first day is a major tourist event, as it showcases the rich culture of this beautiful state. People also begin making Pookkalams or floral rangolis on this day, starting with the base layer of yellow. The rangolis made on this day are called Athapookkalam and are small in size and made mostly with yellow-colored flowers. People also visit temples on this day.
2. Chithira
The second day of Onam is Chithira. On this day, the Pookkalam designs will be a little more intricate, with the addition of a second layer. People also begin to spruce up their homes in preparation for Thiruvonam, the final day.
3. Chothi
The third day is Chothi. On Chothi day, the Pookkalam will become more elaborate, with the addition of 4 or 5 kinds of flowers. People also begin their shopping expeditions to buy gifts like new clothes (Onakkodi) and jewelry for their loved ones. Shops in Kerala offer attractive discounts for Onam.
4. Vishakam
On the 4th day, Vishakam, Onam-related competitions take place. This includes Pookkalam competitions. Schools, colleges, offices, and other associations take part in such contests. The team which creates the best Pookkalam gets cash prizes too. Harvest sales take place in the local markets on this day.
5. Anizham
The 5th day of Onam is Anizham. This day has more significance than some of the other days, as the famous snake boat races or Vallamkali begin in many parts of Kerala. The Aaranmula Vallamkali is very famous and people from abroad, too, come to see it. The teams come from all parts of the state.
6. Thrikketta
The 6th day of Onam is Thrikketta. Most schools and offices usually close from this day to the last day of the festival. The Pookkalam designs would have become very large by now, with five or six layers of flowers. People also visit their ancestral homes and give gifts to their loved ones.
7. Moolam
This is the 7th day of Onam. Government celebrations begin on this day, with fireworks and illuminations in the major cities. Processions and folk dances usually take place on this day. One such dance is the Pulikkali, where performers paint themselves to resemble tigers. The dance enacts a hunt. It is both an entertaining and amusing spectacle. Yet another Onam dance is Thiruvathira Kali or Kaikotti Kali. Here, women wearing the traditional attire called Set-Mundu dance around a Pookkalam and a Nila Vilakku (lamp). The dancers move in a circle and clap their hands in unison at intervals. Also, many temples begin to serve Sadyas for people from Moolam day. Local hotels, too, offer Onasadya.
8. Pooradam
The 8th day, Pooradam, begins with a traditional ritual. People take the statues of Mahabali and Vamana (the avatar taken by Vishnu to trick Mahabali) around the house and later place them in the center of the Pookkalam. Supposedly, this ritual signifies the invitation to Mahabali to visit the home.
From this day, Mahabali’s statue has the name of Onathappan.
9. Uthradom
This day marks the 9th day of Onam. It is called the ‘First Onam’ as it is the day that King Mahabali journeys to Kerala. On this day, people visit the markets to buy fresh vegetables and other provisions to prepare the grand Onasadya on Thiruvonam day. The belief is that Mahabali will spend the following four days in his erstwhile kingdom, meeting his subjects and blessing them.
10. Thiruvonam
The 10th and final day is Thiruvonam. This day is called ‘Second Onam,’ and it marks the arrival of King Mahabali. People start the day with a bath and wear the Onakkodi. They also take part in special prayers at temples. The highlight of the day is the sumptuous Onasadya, which comprises 15 dishes, including 3 types of payasams (a dessert). Men, women, and children help with the cooking. The food is served on plantain leaves laid on the floor to remind one that all are equal, as was the case during Mahabali’s time. In the bigger cities, there will be magnificent displays of fireworks and illuminations. There is a grand feast in Thrikkakara temple, and cultural events like games, plays, and dances are performed in many places.
Thiruvonam marks the culmination of Onam festivities, and it is with a tinge of sadness that people get ready to bid farewell to their beloved king, Mahabali.
