So, Onam is celebrated with a festival of flowers and it marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, who MG explained is basically Krishna. Onam lasts for 10 days, and today is that final day number 10.
Onam is sort of a harvest festival and is a joyful and very happy time for the people who celebrate. King Mahabali is said to visit once a year during Onam and the people make these incredibly beautiful circles of flowers called pookhalam to basically greet him and welcome him, 'Pookhalam' is a combination of two words, 'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means color sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookhalam, also known as 'Aththa-Poo' during the festival of Onam.
How beautiful is that?? Everyone makes this amazing floor creation of flowers to welcome their king. And they prepare incredible foods and dance and play games. I really did feel for the guys while they told me about this tradition that includes bathing early in the morning, and wearing all new clothes, cooking and celebrating and snake boat racing and this great joyful exhibition of love and happiness that pervades the spirit of these people. I am truly lucky to work among them and to be able to call them friends and learn from them.
...and now, for the obligatory history lesson: plagiarized for your reading pleasure verbatim from:
http://www.onamfestival.org/what-is-onam.html
Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.
Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.
The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.
My spiritual journey has certainly brought me to a place of enrichment and hidden treasures. I discover something new every day and realize more and more how truly rich I am. Not materially, but from the mountaintop of experience, I am very rich indeed.
Shaanti, my friends. Peace.
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