Onam, the traditional annual harvest and cultural festival of Kerala, was celebrated throughout the state on Friday with much fanfare.
On Friday, marking ThiruOnam, the second day of the Onam festival, people from all over the state celebrated it with traditional fervour, gaiety, and splendour, commemorating a mythical past of plenty, peace, and equality.
Clad in new clothes (Onakkodi), people visited temples and offered prayers early in the morning. All major temples in Thiruvananthapuram, including the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, and Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, witnessed a heavy rush of devotees.
A grand Onasadya was held at the Aranmula Temple on Friday as part of the traditional celebrations. The sacred Thiruvonathoni (Onam boat) arrived at the temple with offerings for the feast.
Children and youngsters decorated their houses with colourful “pookkalam” (floral carpets) in intricate designs. These dramatic floral decorations, displayed in the front courtyard of the house, are meant to welcome the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects on Thiruvonam, the most important day of the Malayalam month of Chingam.
A sumptuous ‘onasadya’ (feast), prepared by family members with various vegetarian dishes and delicious dessert ‘payasam’, is among the highlights of the day.
Onam is marked by happiness, excitement, and enjoyment among all sections of the people. It is celebrated with much fanfare not only in Kerala but by Malayalis across the world.
Onam is celebrated during the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’, which falls in the period of August-September, and honours mythological King Mahabali, whose reign witnessed the golden era of Kerala. According to legends, the great king visits his subjects from the netherworld on the day of ThiruOnam.
Although the festival has its origins in Hindu tradition, people of all faiths celebrate it with equal fervour. One of the highlights of Onam is the sumptuous feast called Onasadya. Onam is also an occasion that brings family members together.
According to legend, Kerala was once ruled by the demon king Mahabali. People were happy under his rule, as he was very humble and just. However, the gods were upset with his popularity and approached Lord Vishnu for help, who later took the incarnation of ‘Vamana, one of the 10 avatars, to banish the king.
Lord Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf and poor Brahmin called Vamana, went to the king and asked for a piece of land measuring three feet. The king readily agreed, but little Vamana grew dramatically big and covered the kingdom in his first foot and the rest of the universe in his second. With no space left for the third, Mahabali offered his head for it.
But before going to the netherworld, he asked Lord Vishnu for a boon to be allowed to visit his erstwhile people and country once every year, to which Vishnu granted Mahabali the right to visit his people and his kingdom every year during Onam.
President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were among those who greeted Malayalis on the occasion of Onam.
In her message on the eve of Onam, President Droupadi Murmu said, “On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Kerala living in India and abroad.”
“The festival of Onam, celebrated in the joy of the new harvest, is a unique example of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. This festival reminds us of the importance of unity, cooperation, and harmony beyond cultural and religious beliefs. This festival is also an occasion to express gratitude to our farmers.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Onam, wishing joy, health, and prosperity to all. He said Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala.
Sharing his wishes on the social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Wishing everyone a very happy Onam! May this beautiful festival bring renewed joy, good health and abundant prosperity to all. Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala. This festival is a symbol of unity, hope and cultural pride. May this occasion strengthen the spirit of harmony in our society and deepen our connection with nature.”
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in his message, said, “I convey my heartiest Onam greetings to the people of the state and to Malayalis across the world.” He said Onam, which brightens every home with the joy of festivity, celebrates the cherished legacy of equality, oneness, and prosperity, and inspires us to strive for such a society.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Onam is a celebration where Malayalis from all over the world come together without any prejudice. “Each of us experiences the joy of sharing love for one another, embracing the vastness of humanity and spreading brotherhood,” he said.