Onam
Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.
Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates ‘Tourist Week’ for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.
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 seven course meal consisting of 11-13 essential side 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.
As food is an inevitable part of any festivals, Onam also had no exemptions. The grand feast known as ‘Onasadya’ which served on banana leaves is the highlight of the festival. Nearly 23 dishes served in sequence over a fresh green banana leaf is a treat to eyes and palate. As the festival arrives,there is no much difference in rich and poor, but all will celebrate and have this heavenly meal with much enthusiasm. “Kaanam vittum onam unnanam” an old proverb says- you need to have an Onasadya even it can possible by selling your own attire. As olden days the life style was not that much posh and rich and there were poverty everywhere this proverb has a meaning but in current scenario the life standard was increased well and people can afford this type or more luxurious meal through out the year and the importance not yet diminished when it comes to Sadya.
Following dishes are served in Onasadya and placed in banana leaf with proper sequence.
The no.1 to 15 is served in banana leaf prior the sitting from left to right position. The rest of the items will serve in seven courses.
- Salt
- Upperi (Banana chips)
- Sharkara varatti(Jaggery chips)
- Banana
- Papadam
- Lemon Pickle
- Mango Pickle
- Inchi curry( Ginger curry)
- Patchadi (Cucumber relish)
- Kitchdi (fruit or veg relish)
- Thoran ( any vegetables cooked with grated coconut)
- Avial (Medley of seasonal veggies)
- Kootu curry( Potato and black channa curry)
- Kalan( Raw banana and yogurt curry)
- Olan (Ashgourd curry)
- Boiled rice
- Parippu with ghee (Dal)
- Sambar
- Rasam
- Pulisseri ( tempered buttermilk)
- Pacha moru (Butter mil)
- Ada Pradhaman ( dessert made with rice dumpling and jaggery)
- Semiya payasam ( Milk and rice stick dessert)
- Parippu Pradhaman (Channa and jaggery dessert)
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