PM talks about Onam in Mann Ki Baat: All about the festival
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the Malayalam festival of Onam during his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ session on Sunday. The prime minister said: “Onam’s enthusiasm has reached far shores of foreign lands. Whether in America, Europe, or Gulf countries, Onam’s enthusiasm can be felt everywhere.
Onam is becoming more and more an international festival. “The prime minister also explained how people celebrate the festival in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Today, in the joyous festival of Onam, read on to find out more about it and why is celebrated.
All about Onam
Onam is associated with the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Vamana (a dwarf) to end the rule of King Mahabali in Treta Yuga. The Lord was born as Vamana, a low Brahmin boy of Aditi and Sage Kashyapa.
King Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad (son of Hiranyakashipu, an Asura). Despite being born into a family of Asuras (demons), both Prahlad and Mahabali were devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Mahabali was a very powerful warrior. Once, during a battle against the Devas, he defeated Indra and went on to rule the Deva Loka. Therefore, to regain his kingdom, Indra begged Lord Vishnu to intervene. Later, Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana at the court of Mahabali to test his devotion.
Besides being a capable ruler, Mahabali was also known for his magnanimity. Therefore, Lord Vishnu tricked him by posing as a poor boy. Click here to see the full story of Lord Vishnu’s Avatar Vamana and what happened to Mahabali.
King Mahabali is believed to visit his kingdom annually during Onam, and people celebrate to welcome him. Interestingly, Lord Vishnu blessed Mahabali with the blessing of being able to make a trip to the kingdom once a year from Patala Loka.
Onam festivities begin in the first Malayalam month of Chingam when Atham / Hasta Nakshatra prevails. This is precisely 10 days before the actual Thiruvonam date.
These days, Onam is observed with great enthusiasm and celebrated for four days. People start with the day of Uthradom, followed by Thiruvonam, Avittom, and Chatayam. Check this link to know the important days of Onam, 2020.
Onam festivities include making flower rangolis (pookolam), Vallam Kali (boat race), Pulikali (tiger dance), Kai Kottu Kali (Onam dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), etc. And most importantly, Onam includes a feast called Sadhya that consists of more than 26 recipes. Check this link to know more about Onam Sadhya.
Onam is also considered a harvest festival.
Onam is usually celebrated collectively by the people of Kerala, but this year, group celebrations will not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
