prosperity in the distant past when Mahabali, a celebrated emperor of
the Asuras, was supposed to be ruling over this land. His period is
believed a have been the golden age in the history of the country. A
popular folk song narrates the glories of that period. When Mavely
ruled, all men were equal, they were leading a life of happiness and
nobody had any calamity-thus goes the song. There was neither
dishonesty nor deception, nor was there any instance of false
utterance, use of counterfeit measures of other kinds of unfair practice. Perfect harmony, communal and otherwise, prevailed. In short it was ideal welfare state, the legend tells us.
his Kingdom by Vamana , the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. Thus by the
designs of the jealous Gods, the glorious reign of the Asura emperor
came to an end. But his grateful subjects, request that their former
ruler might be permitted to visit the land once a year, was granted.
The time for his annual visit was in the first Malayalam month Chingom
(August-September) and this occasion became one of Jubilation
throughout the land, reminiscent of the prosperous times of Mahabali.
been a grand national harvest festival in which all sections of the
people participate with extreme Jubilation.
month corresponding to August-September. The festival is supposed to
begin from the lunar asterism Atham which falls ten days before the
asterism Thiruvonam. The preparations for the celebration begin on the
Atham day. The Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival. In
the front yard of the house Athapoovu (floral decoration) is made for
ten days from Atham to a Thiruvonam. The idol of Thrikkakkara Appan
made of clay is placed in the middle of the floral decoration, a clear
example of the aesthetic sense of the Malayalam who do it with a sense
of devotion.
On the Thiruvonam day every one bathes and offers
worship in temples early in the morning. Then the gayest new garments
are put on. Presents are distributed to the younger members of the
family. Then follows the onam feast of delicious food served on
plantain leaves. Members of families, staying far away from native
places make it a point to visit their ancestral homes to celebrate the
festival in the company of their kith and kin. Keralites celebrate onam
by organising community feast, cultural programmes, etc.
After the feast there will be sports and games, both indoor and outdoor, in
which both men and women of all ages participate. Mack fight, ball
games, card and chess play are the favorites of the menfolk whereas
women find pleasure in `Oonjalattom, thumbithullal, Thiruvathirakali,
Kaikottikali, etc. Boat races (regatta) also form another item of onam
festival which attract thousands of people including tourists from
outside the state.
Of late, the state Government itself has taken the initiative to celebrate
Onam season as tourist festival with the motive of attracting tourists.
Various cultural formS, old and new, are presented in all important
towns in the state during the FestivalOnam
is the most important harvest festival of Kerala and is an attraction
for thousands of people within and outside the state. Ranging from four
days to ten days, all the activities during this season are centered
around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and good food. It
is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam (ending of August and
beginning of September). This year it falls on 9th September2011
Onam is a harvest festival, and celebrates the bounty of nature after a year
of hard labor. Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake
boat races on River Pampa mark the merry-making nature of the festival.
Women dress up in new saris and heavy jewelry and make elaborate and
intricate designs of “rangolis” (with colored rice paste) and
“pookkalam” (with flowers) in front of their homes.
Onam is celebrated after the memory of King Mahabali. It was said that King
Mahabali ruled Kerala a long time ago and looked after his people well.
Thus Onam symbolizes the joyful rule of the King and the happiness that
the people had under his rule. The people also have the belief that
during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to visit his people.
decorating them. On Onam, everybody in the family would be wearing new
clothes. Delicious sweets and favorite dishes would be cooked and
served on banana leaves. One important item that would be visible
outside each house is the ‘pookalam” a flower mat. This flower mat is
like a symbol of welcoming the King Mahabali. During Onam, traditional
rituals are performed and the people celebrate the occasion with a
grand feast. One favorite dessert that would be served on the day is
‘payasam” a sweet & tempting porridge.
An attractive feature during this festival is the famous ‘Vallamkali” or
the boats to the beat of drums and cymbals. An interesting thing to
note is that above each boat there is a scarlet silk umbrella and gold
coins are hung from the umbrellas. There are various boats, which also
include the ‘Chundans”: the snake-like long boats that are shaped like
snakes. This event is extremely popular with various types of boats
compete with each other to win the race.
N–Nanmayude
A–Aghoshangalude
M–Malayaliyude
Onam Varavayi !!!
Keraliya thanima thottunarthunna,
malayalikalude hridayathe
pookkalam kondu theerkkunna,
naavil ruchiyeriya vibhvangalumayi
ee ponnonathe varavelkaam.
Ellavarkkum Ente Hridayam
Niranja Onashamsakal
YOU MAY VISIT & FWD TO YOUR FRIENDS PLEASE GO THROUGH THE POSTS
No comments:
Post a Comment