Happy Onam! :)

 So it’s Onam today and though I don’t see it celebrated with the same vigor, that would have been, if I were in Kerala, it is still a heart-warming feeling to be with loved ones and celebrate this festival… At my place, we don’t really celebrate Onam but Mom does make a few delicacies for the sadya and how can I forget the amazing payasam (kheer)… While typing this, my Mom’s actually working in the kitchen for the HUGE lunch and dessert, while I watch movies :P … haaah… So to those who don’t know much about Onam, let me introduce you to the BIGGEST festival celebrated by the Malayali crowd…

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala. It reflects the faith of the people of Kerala. A belief in their legendary past, religion and power of worship. It shows the high spirit of the people who go out of the way to celebrate the festival in the prescribed manner and a grand fashion. Story goes that during the reign of mighty Asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.

It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well. The most impressive part of Onam celebration 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.

Sadhya

Another enchanting feature of Onam is the Vallamkalli- the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colorful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators. 

Vallamkalli

My favorite part is the Pookallam, where people make a rangoli with flowers outside their house, inviting Mahabali…. It’s so beautiful!

Pookallam

So yeah that’s about Onam .. Oh and I’m so happy…. For the FIRST TIME, our college gave us a holiday… Aah it feels awesome man.. So yeah HAPPY ONAM to everyone and my mallu friends… HRUDAYAM NARANJU ONASHAMSAKAL!!

:)