Onam

Topic: Festivals

Why in the news?

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his greeting on the occasion of Onam.  

Source: PIB

About Onam:

• It is a major harvest festival in Kerala and is celebrated to honour the home-coming of Asura king Mahabali who brought about peace and prosperity in Kerala.
• It is one of the three major festivals of Kerala, celebrated during the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham.
• The other two major festivals of the state are Vishu and Thiruvathira.
• The 10-day harvest festival begins on Atham (first day of Onam) and concludes on Thiruvonam (last day).
• Onam is celebrated by making Pookkalam (the flower rangolis). Other rituals are also performed which includes-Vallam Kali (the boat races), Pulikali (the tiger dances), Kummattikali (mask dances), Onathallu (martial arts), among others.
• The main attraction is the traditional Onam sadhya (grand feast).
• Mythological context: A battle took place between Mahabali (Asura or demon) and Vamana (avatar of Vishnu), where Mahabali is revered as the unchallenged King of Malayalis.