Onam, Malayalis’ patriotic festival, makes its return in all glory from August 26 to September 5, ending with ‘Thiru Onam’ on September 5. A festival that has a blend of mythology, worship of nature, and culture, Onam is based on the legend of the Asura King Mahabali, whose golden rule was terminated when Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana incarnation, drove him to the netherworld. The single wish of Mahabali—”Can I see my subjects once a year?”—was fulfilled, and thus Onam came into existence.
The celebration starts with ‘Atha Pook kalam’, the colourful flower carpets spread at workplaces, schools, and homes. Urbanization has made flowers arrive predominantly from outside Kerala. The second big dish, which is now found in most restaurants throughout India and the world.
Onam celebrations focus on cultural events such as Kaikottikali, Margamkali, Duffmuttu, and Onathallu, in conjunction with edge-of-the-seat boat races. “The seven-day tourism festival organised by the government celebrates the best of Kerala’s classical, folk and ethnic arts,” says Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas. Although during Onam some people worship Lord Vishnu, the return of Mahabali remains the core of the celebration.
