Pookalam in Joshin's house (Ojas)
Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം) is a festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. It falls during the month of Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali.
The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of
Kerala's culture and tradition. Intricate flower carpets, elaborate
banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali,
and the Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival. And it can
be undoubtedly said that these elements constitute the diversity,
colorfulness and richness that no other festival can claim.
According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the
reign of King Maveli. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous
and the king was highly regarded by his subjects, so much so that even
the gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali, and they approached Mahavishnu
claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to an Indra. Since a world
with two Indras represents imbalance, Mahavishnu assumed the form of a
dwarf: the Vamana avatara had tricked him to Patala. However, as Mahabali was equivalent to an Indra, he had to wait until the next Yuga
where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the grace of
Mahavishnu, Mahabali visited his people on an annual basis. Mahavishnu
served Mahabali as a gatekeeper in Patala as the Lord himself serves his
greatest devotees.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year.
People celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear
King that they are happy and wish him well.
The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and
spirit during the ten-day festival. The central feature of Onam is the
grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine-course
meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on
banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the
meal.
Another popular feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the Pamba River, in which decorative boats oared by hundreds of boatmen race amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators and viewers.
There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called
Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali
(played with a ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called
Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They
make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front
courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and
Thumbi Thullal are two dances performed by women on Onam. Folk
performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of
celebrations.
Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala. ( Courtesy for details : Wikipedia )
On this say usually women wear a traditional Saree which is caled Kerala saree- its an offwhite saree with yellow kasavu border and the gents wear off white shirt and white mundu with kasavu. Streets will be full of flower sales and vegetables as on this day no matter what religion and diet one has its the same vegetarian meals that everyone has at home. Its one festival which is Kerala's own , so all amily members whether far or near make it a point to attend this with family. The whole family contributes for the pookalam and also in the making of sadhya which marks the unity of the family.
The onasadhya is same as the vegetarian meals I have detailed in the Vishu post in the blog.
Pookalam is something which I need to post this year as its special this year- We reached just in time in both the houses to prepare the pookalam and also enjoy the day with family.
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