Onam - Kerala's Gift of Abundance to the World

Kerala is the southern-most state on India's western seaboard. It is blessed with an equable climate and a long shoreline dotted with serene, sun-drenched beaches that give way to tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters in the hinterland. The backwaters soon give way to lush, forested mountainous landscape dotted with quaint hill stations and exotic wildlife. The scenery here is composed mostly of picturesque waterfalls tumbling breathlessly down steeply wooded hills, sprawling spice plantations and paddy fields in the occasional, leveled clearing. The state is home to Ayurveda and the original herbal health spas.  Enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic monuments and an exotic, enticing  cuisine that defies description, add colour to an ancient culture.

Onam is the mother of all festivals in Kerala. It is traditionally celebrated during the month of Chingam, according to the Malayali calendar (straddling our modern months of August & September.) Though officially known as a festival, it is all of that and much more. It is a state of heightened consciousness that reflects the staunch faith of the people that comes from a long line of tradition stretching in from a glorious legendary past that is reflected in their religion and the powerful rituals of worship. The festival is also one of the grandest events in Kerala and is celebrated with abandon and gusto throughout the state.

The festival coincides with the harvest season in Kerala thus providing another great reason to celebrate.  One would find it hard to complain about anything at this time of year.

The weather is benign and all is right with the world. The lush landscape of the region is also in jubilatory mood as can be seen by its radiant beauty. It adds to the festive spirit with pleasantly warm and sunny days. The fields are with a bountiful harvest. The farmers rejoice as they watch the visible results of their hard labour with pride. The Malayalam New Year is a time to celebrate for many reasons. 

Children await the arrival of the festivities with scarcely concealed excitement. They can look forward to receiving new clothes, toys and every conceivable goody they could imagine or ask for. The great gathering of numerous uncles, aunts, grandmas and hosts of other relatives, all eager to oblige children's wishes in delighted haste and happiness, make a kid's idea of heaven complete. It is also a time for homecoming and nostalgic reunions for those Keralites that are spread out over all points of the globe. Their presence adds to the joy of families at this time of celebration.

Onam is also celebrated in honour of a special and beloved figure: Kerala's most loved and legendary King Maveli. It is believed that to this day, the King who once gave the people a golden era, comes back to the world of the living at this time to bless his beloved people and enjoy the sight of them living in happiness and abundance. Thus, Onam is also celebrated in honour of the King Mahabali, who is affectionately known as Onathappan.

The womenfolk outdo themselves in their efforts to make special arrangements to welcome Onathappan.  Carpets of flowers and petals are laid out in the front courtyards of houses with the dedication and sincerity of complete loyalty. A grand meal is prepared on the day of Thiru Onam when, it is believed that the spirit of Maveli visits Kerala. It is no surprise that at this time the best of Kerala cuisine puts in an appearance with musical-sounding names for rare and popular dishes such as avial, sambhar, rasam, parippu and the payasam.

It is during Onam in Kerala that you would get to see the fantastic facets of the rich and colourful, cultural heritage of the state and its proud people. No glimpses and half-measures here, but a whole history and culture bursting out in all its colourful glory over the ten-day-long carnival. It is also a time for showcasing colourful folk arts and traditional games with quaint and mystical-sounding names such as Pulikali, Kaikottikali, Kummattikalli, Kathakali, Thumbi Thullal and more.

The festivities are so inspiring and universal in its reach that people of all religions, castes, creeds and communities join in the celebrations with a joie de vivre that is catchy and spontaneous. 

For all those die-hard nomads at heart: Kerala beckons... And Onam is around the corner!