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Before discussing the various aspects of Thiruvonum festival, it is perhaps apt to give a synoptic view of the land, where the famous festival Onam took birth – Kerala and its traditional culture and social fabric.

Kerala which is called “God’s own country” is a narrow fertile strip of land on the south coast of India. On the west, it is surrounded by Western Ghats or Sahyadri range of mountains .There are different legends as to how Kerala got its name.  One view is that it is land of’ Kera vrisha ‘or coconut palms, which is also called’ Kalpatharu’ meaning giver of whatever we wish. All parts of Coconut tree  are useful to man .Coconut groves in back waters and in plains add to panoramic landscape .It is also a major crop , on which thousands depend upon their livelihood .Coconut kernel and coconut water  form nutritious food items . 

Another view is that Kerala was under the golden rule of’ Chera ‘dynasty who ruled around 1st century B.C. From cheralam came the word Keralam. Another epic view is that the land of Kerala was the gift of Parasurama, one of the ten incarnations or Dashaavathars of Mahavishnu, the supreme Hindu deity, who is believed to be the creator of the universe. It is believed that the land was immersed under sea and Lord Parasurama retrieved it from the sea by throwing his axe and gifted it to the people. May be because of this, it has rich fertile alluvial soil.

Kerala history is linked with another fifth avatar or incarnation of Vishnu, Vamanaavatar who gave liberation to Mahabali, grandson of Prahlada, the incident of which is commemorated as Onam festival. Both Prahlada and Mahabali were staunch devotees of Lord Vishnu.  Kerala is the birth place of  the greatest spiritual son  of India - Aaadi Shankaracharya  who propounded the Advaita philosophy or( Monothesim or belief in one Almighty called Brahaman,) according to which the religious beliefs of people should go beyond ritualism and Tantric practices and should encompass universal love and perception of divinity in all the creations. Shankaracharya was born in a little hamlet called Piravum, near Kaladi in Alwaye, Kerala on the banks of Periyar river situated in a place called Alwaye in Kerala, where a Sanskrit university is functioning in honor of  his memory.  Aluva  Mahasivarathri   is celebrated  in a grand scale on the  sandy banks of Periyar , where thousands of people from all over the state congregate  to perform rites to their ancestors and also  to undertake day long fast and do  worship Lord Siva  .

The land of Kerala is immensely blessed with lush green vegetation -  savanna greeenlands , thick forests, tranquil beaches, stunning mountains, rich wild life with elephants,sambar deer, tiger, lion - headed macaques, languors and  other animals and scores of pilgrim centers/temples. 44 major rivers and rivulets criss-cross the breadth and length of the land. Almost a quarter of land is covered with forests  endowed with 3500 species  of trees like Teak , Rose wood and so on of very high commercial value, most of them growing in western Ghats called ‘silent valley’, where one experiences absolute quiescence  , tranquility and timelessness. Cultivation of  crops varies from paddy , being the major crop  to coconut palms over the plains, while on hill slopes , there are plantations  of  cashew, rubber, Tea and coffee , spices  like pepper, cloves, cardamom etc .

The aroma of spices permeates plains under the cool breeze from western mountain ranges and backwaters and the sea .It has long sea coast with ports which makes navigation possible and which promotes trade with other countries. There is a place in Kerala called Chavara where rare minerals like Thorium, monazites, illuminate, Zircon etc which are high value chemicals are abundant.  Kerala is blessed with plenty of rains. Both North-East and South-West winds bring rains to Kerala. It is a state endowed with rich natural resources .Palakkad a district in Kerala which lies in 40miles wide western Ghats, which is a gate way to Kerala  is known for wet lands for paddy cultivation and it is called “ rice bowl” of Kerala.

It is a most advanced state in India with high literacy rate, literacy rate being 94.5 on all India level and lowest child and maternal mortality and morbidity .There are districts which have achieved 100 percent literacy .It also as an example for neatness and hygiene maintained by people, both personal and environmental. It is also a state where women are highly educated.

One out of three Doctors, one is a lady Doctor .similarly in other professions like teachers, lawyers, engineers, architects, Computer professionals, there are large number of women. It is also high in political awareness. Both men and women participate in politics in large numbers in administration at local, District and state levels. The percentage of people who exercise franchise in elections to Assembly and Parliament seats is much higher in Kerala compared to other states.. Kerala has also been recognized by National and International agencies like U.N.D.P for efficient running of Public Distribution System     . Kerala model has been recommended elsewhere for adoption.

Kerala is the most advanced state in India on development indices, which include many criteria of socio-economic development. People are very simple or austere in their life- styles. They are not ostentatious or show off.  They do not indulge in vulgar display of their wealth. They are prudent in their spending behavior. They live within their means and have saving habit. They do not spend lavishly on occasions such as marriages and festivals and become indebted. Their marriage ceremonies are very simple. Marriages are mostly conducted in temples, projecting it as a sacred act .They are not orthodox.

Their belief in Religion, idol worship, practice of rituals etc   depends upon their wholesome understanding of human values which Religions stand for. They are gentle, broad-minded, hospitable, ambitious, equalitarian in attitudes, highly adjustable to any circumstances, committed, dependable, trust worthy, hard working and entrepreneurial. They do not show prejudice towards persons belonging to other castes, Religion, other state or nationality etc. They treat all with dignity, respect and hospitality. They display remarkable degree of civic sense. They stick to our ancient values such as showing   respect towards parents, teachers and elders and behave with everyone with brotherly and sisterly affection.

Kerala stands as a testimony for inter-religious harmony. All the temples, churches and mosques stand shoulder to shoulder to each other. Sometimes one fails to distinguish between them.

 People belonging to different Religions also adopt each other’s life style .There are Hindu temples where both Hindus and Muslims jointly celebrate festivities.  On Onam festivals people, irrespective of religious differences take part .In the famous Trichur pooram festival celebrated every year to propitiate Lord Siva locally called Vadakkunathan, all communities take part. The devotee and commander of Army of Lord Ayyappan called Vaavar was a Muslim. He is to be worshipped before worshiping Lord Ayyappan in Sabharimala, abode of Lord Ayappan.  .This shows the secular spirit of Keralities .

The predominant Hindu community in Kerala never converted any one from their religion to Hindu faith .They are peace loving people. Though they are very articulate regarding their views and demands through mass protests , processions, demonstrations, slogan shouting, strikes etc, those are conducted peacefully and resorting to violence is very rare.  The mass media like circulation of daily news papers is very high in Kerala .Even in petty shops run in thatched sheds, one can find people reading news papers and engaging in hot debates   on socio-political events.

 Our India is a land of festivals. Kerala is no exception. Some of the major festivals of Kerala are Onam, Vishnu, Thiruvathira, Mahasivaratri, Navaratri, Sree Krishna jayanthi, Christmas, Ramadan, Muhram and so on. In addition there are innumerable local and temple festivals. Of all the festivals, Onam is a very important festival. We can consider Onam festival as the jewel in the cultural crown of Kerala. All Malayalees, where ever they are, whether they are in Kerala or in any part of the globe, irrespective of caste and Religion celebrate Onam festival with enthusiasm, pomp and grandeur. It is a force of emotional and cultural integration of people of Kerala.  

It is a centrifugal force or unifying force, developing oneness among the people. It is like Ganesha festival in Maharashtra, Durga puja in West Bengal, Dussera festival in Karnataka, Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, Holi festival in North India, Bisaki festival in Punjab and so on. It is celebrated at the levels of individual households with religious fervor, community levels as a Social and cultural festival and the state level to showcase the cultural richness of Kerala. At the state level, it is combined with the celebration of Tourist week   for promoting tourism both within the country and overseas. An outsider can experience the essence of Kerala culture, if he spends days in Kerala during Onam festival.

Kerala with vibrant and hospitable people revive their glorious past  during Onam celebrations .The festival is not celebrated  ostentatiously , on the other hand in most austere manner, keeping sacredness of the occasion  and by practicing love and amity towards the fellow beings, in letter and spirit .

 The name Onolsavam came from the word Shravanoslsavam which means festival that falls in the shraavana (Sanskrit) star or 1st of Malayalam month-Chingam or Aug- Sept. The beauty of the festival lies in its secular fabric. All Malayalees irrespective of distinction of caste and Religion celebrate it together with fun and grandeur. It is believed that Onam festival began to be celebrated during sangham period. Records of celebration can be found from the time of Kulashekhara Perumal who ruled Kerala during 800 A.D.

 There is a lot more to Onam than being just a festive occasion or an occasion for joy and merry making .It reflects the faith of the people of Kerala, belief in their legendary past, religion and worship. It shows the high spirit of people who go out the way to celebrate the festival. Even the poorest of the poor remains contented during Onam days, forgetting poverty and hardships. It gives the message of several moral /ethical /human /spiritual values which save humanity from the disastrous consequences of adopting rank materialist way of life. 

Onam festival lasts for 10 days., starting from the day of Atham.  Of these the three days namely Atham, Utradam and Thiruvonam are most important days .During those ten days, people, whether they are rich or poor stay happy. They show love, brotherhood and hospitality towards each other .Any person even stranger visiting Malayalee homes on Onam days is treated invariably as guests and he joins  in Onam festivities. The Apthavakya or great saying:” Athidhi devo bhava” meaning guest to be considered as God is practiced in letter and spirit .It is the time to renew social bond and communal harmony.

After torrential rains brought by south- west monsoon, the sky becomes crystal clear. Crystal clear water gushes through rivers and rivulets making gurgling sound. Plenty of green vegetations crop up. Plants put forth flowers and trees bear fruits. There is a bumper crop of paddy .Nature is at its very best. There is natural bounty and prosperity everywhere .People are over- joyed at this time and it is in all respects time for celebration.

Legend

Onam like other Indian festivals is not merely a festive occasion or occasion for entertainments and merry making. It has a legend which gives myriad messages which are in the form of guiding principles of life. It has a religious significance for Hindus. It is a day of special worship of Mahadevar or Mahavishnu. The legend goes like this. There was an emperor, belonging to the family of Demons called Mababali ruled over Kerala .He was a righteous king. He loved his subjects more than himself and as his children. He was known for his generosity, compassion and charitable nature.  There was equality among people.

There was no rich and poor. All were prosperous and lived happily .They were hale and healthy .People were truthful and trust worthy. There was unity between thoughts, words and action. There was absolute justice in all transactions. There were no thefts, robbery, deceit, intimidation or exploitation. There was no hatred and ill -feelings against any one. All lived in peace and harmony as one large family .Elders were respected for their age and wisdom .Members of the family lived as a unit. In other words, it was a golden period. It is said that Mahabali could yield great influence over people on earth and Nether world by virtue of his good rule. He was also very powerful as he had obtained the boon from his long meditation that no one could harm him.

Devas or heavenly beings were scared thinking that his influence might extend to heaven. They approached Indra , the king of Gods for solution. They hatched a plan. They decided to take advantage of his charitable nature to oust him from his position. Mahavishnu assumed the form of drawrf Brahmin, called Vamana. Mahababali was performing a yagna. At the end of it , it was a practice to give away things to Brahmins as charity .Looking at this opportune moment , Vamana disguised as a poor dwarf Brahmin appeared before  Mahabali  and asked whether he would grand his request .Mahabali told that he would give him whatever he asked for .Vamana  then asked that he wants just a piece of land which he  would measure with his foot thrice, that is three feet measure of land .

Mahabali immediately offered, without paying heed to his guru Sukracharya’s warning, because of charitable disposition. Being highly charitable he was prepared to sacrifice even his life for the cause of charity. .  The emperor asked the standard question.” O Brahmin ask what you want. I shall give “. Sukracharya whispered in his ears.” Don’t make such blanket promises. It might spell disaster to you”. Mahabali shook his head and said no “. I have given my word and I will stick to my word. It is adharma  or failing on’e duty not to honor one’s word “. Brahmin said.” O emperor I don’t want much .I just want only that much of land, which I can measure with my foot”. He immediately agreed .

Vamana immediately grew big. He measured the entire earth with one foot. He then took the second step and measured the entire sky. That too was surrendered to Vamana. The Brahmin then said” I have one more step left, where do I put my leg. The earth is no longer available nor the sky. What do you have to say?” Mahabali without second thought with folded arms asked him to place his third step on his head Mahabali could have denied. Having strong faith in Dharma, he could not break his promise.

He also felt that denial on his part will bring harm to his people. As he loved his subjects, he did not want any harm to be caused by him .When Vamana placed his foot on Mahabali’s forehead , he  went down to nether land or Pathala  or the land below the earth.

 Another interpretation is that when Vamana put his foot on his forehead, Mahabali knew that he was God himself and he surrendered to him. Mahavishnu   liberated him from wordily bondage liberated his soul and made him one with divine. Yet another interpretation is that Mahabali because of his virtues was suited to occupy the position of Indira, the king of Heaven.

But he had to wait one kalpa (432, 00,  00,000 years or Brahma’s one day). Till such time he was accommodated in Rasala, which is higher than Nether world. Mahavishnu is said to have remained with him as his gate keeper. This shows that God serves his devotees in ways unimaginable to us, even as servant.  Yet another interpretation is that though Mahabali had the certain virtues like being charitable, he also had some vices such as ego or self-aggrandizement. He was too power- conscious.

When he saw Vamana being punitive figure, asking for three steps of land, he underestimated him and felt that it was a minor demand and that he could give any amount of land This was projection of his ego. Because of his ego( or self-centeredness or arrogance due the feeling that one wields power, position and resources), he was pushed down to Netherworld and lost his kingdom. What we learn from this episode is that ego spells disaster or pride goes before the fall.  We should not underestimate any one and should show humility. we should take every one seriously and give due respect   whether he is rich or poor, able bodied or disabled, young or old, healthy or sick, educated or illiterate, well dressed or poorly dressed and so on .From these interpretations, it can be seen that the moral- ethical qualities exhibited by Mahabali were amazing and worth emulating by all of us .

Thus, the legend teaches us moral lessons and cardinal human values to be learned and practiced in our day to day life . Another point to be noted is that though Mahabali who was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlada, who was son of Hiranyakasipu was born in Asura or Demon dynasty, which represented embodiment of vices, he could develop satvik or righteous nature or virtues. This means that even if a person  has a history of evil deeds committed in the past  , he can shun those and  develop virtues and develop  whole some personality with self-discipline   by determined efforts at any stage of his life.

 Vamana was ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. So Vishnu wanted to test his generosity. Mahabali even offered his head.  Being proved his faith, Vishnu offered him grace. Commenting on why Bali offered his head for placement of third foot , Shri Sathya SaiBaba adds ; Sukracharya had told Mahabali  that Vamana    was not an ordinary Brahmin and that he might face dire consequences, if he offered  his head for measurement of third foot.

Mahabali’s choice was either to accept Guru’s words of not letting Vamana to measure third foot   or going back to his promise to give the land . Mahabali gave more importance to keeping up his promise than Guru’s words or safeguarding his interest.

 we celebrate Onam in its sprit or in its  true way  not when we  make merry or make a grand Onasadhya or Onam feast  ,but when we   understand  the powerful messages  of  human values  which Onam and the legend associated with it, represent and   practice those values in our day to day life  and make our life more wholesome .

Lord Vishnu was impressed by the generosity of Mahabali and urged him to ask him a boon. Mahabali , being deeply attached to his people   had no other wish except to see his people being happy once a year during Onam day.( This incident teaches us the lesson that we should learn to share the joy and sorrow of others ).Mahavishnu  readily granted his wish and told him that people of Kerala would accord to him ceremonial welcome once a year during Onam .

Thus Onam celebration is said to commemorate the golden rule and the ceremonial welcome to  the visit of legendary king Mahabali to see his people living in prosperity and  return with feelings of joy and also as a special occasion to propitiate and invoke the grace of Mahavishnu, the supreme power and the Lord of creation of the universe. There is a temple in Trikkakara in cochin( in Kerala perhaps the only temple dedicated to Vamanaavathar in  the country) , dedicated to Mahavishnu  known by names Vamanan and Trikkakarappan.The colorful Onam procession with caparisoned elephants and, with colorful umbrellas kept on their backs  moving with rhythm of  vadyamelum or ensemble of musical instruments being played  starts  and terminates in this temple .

 Onam Rituals

Onam celebration lasts for 10 days starting from Atham day and culminating in Thiruvonam day. Of these days, the three days namely Atham, Utradam and Thiruvonum are most important days. A preparation for Onam celebration starts several days in advance in Kerala homes.

All the members of the joint family assemble. Those who have gone out on jobs come back to their homes. Onam days are declared as state holidays in Kerala. Onam advance is paid from their salaries, with the result they  have money  for Onam expenditure  .

 Houses are swept and kept clean and tidy .On Atham day, people wake up early hours, take bath and wear new ethnic dress. Men wear Kasavu mundu  or jerry mundu ( 4 meters of pure white  superfine clothe of two layers with golden jerry border )  around the waste and pavumundu (another piece of  clothe with jerry border , smaller in size than the other one) ,folded  put on the shoulders. Ladies wear one piece of clothe with jerry as lower garment and with another piece they cover the chest. Of late long piece of clothe called ‘Sari’ has replaced two pieces of clothe. They also wear traditional Kerala ornaments made in gold like mullamottumala , Poothali, Nagapadam necklace; kadakam vala ( bejeweled bracelets with intricate designs and motifs of Gods and Goddesses etc) .

Men put vermillion on their forehead with sandal paste . Ladies put bindi with kumkum and sandal paste .Children also get dressed up in new clothes. Small mundus (pieces of clothes) of pure  natural silk in yellow color supposed to be preferred color of Mahavisnu  called’ Onapudava’ bought new,  are wrapped around hips of children.These children wear such  clothes ceremoniously for the first time . These clothes are similar to typical Kerala dress which men wear. All people visit the nearby temples, after bath in the early to offer worship for the coming year to be prosperous and peaceful.

Just a day before Onam day, the idol of Mahadevar meaning supreme God, Vishnu in the form of Vamana Avathar is made with clay.   Children go around and collect clay, which Potters use for mould pots and other things. It is pressed into a shape of a cone. Three pieces, two smaller than the third are made. Smaller pieces are kept stuck to the large piece on either side. Balls are made with the clay.

Three balls of increasing size are fixed on the top of central piece and one ball each on the pieces kept either side, representing crowns. These idols are decorated with flowers. Flowers both that of flowering plants we plant and wild flowers. The use of wild flowers symbolizes our intimate relationships with nature. 

The idols are kept simple in form. Anyone with a little skill or dexterity of hands can make it , unlike in the case of Idols of Ganesha  for Ganesha chathurthi  festival or idol of Durga for Durgapuja, which only skilled artisans can  make and which  is heavily priced  and not affordable to common man , who has to shell down   money which is his own or borrowed . One finds no such commercialization associated with festivals of Kerala. The Idols are made by one of the elders in the house. It is not quoted with any toxic dyes. Only white lines are put horizontally with solution made from rice flour.. This shows simplicity and the habit of self-reliance of Keralities. 

It also shows safety consciousness and action based on vivekajnana in Sanskrit or discriminatory knowledge or the knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, which is prescribed in our ancient scriptures for the development of wholesome personality. As these Idols are made of pure clay and no toxic materials used, they dissolve easily, when they are immersed in tanks or rivers, as an act of ceremonious culmination of the festival and poses no environmental hazard. Even today, the same practice is followed and it shows environmental consciousness of the people. It was pointed out earlier that Keralities keep their environments clean and hygienic .The above practice  gives added support to this view regarding the habits and life style of people , which are worthy of emulation .

After returning from temple, they prepare a portion of their court yard for making pookalam or flower bed .Children go round and collect flowers with exhilaration. A layer is made on the front court yard with cow dung (which according to modern science has ant-septic and anti-bacterial properties) which acts a glue to keep flowers in their place.  Flower petals are arranged on it in beautiful designs. Before flower arrangement starts, elderly ladies adorn the Mahadevar Idol with lines on the Idol with a white solution made of rice flour. 

With the same solution, a grand Geometrical design is made with hand with motifs of lotus flowers, birds, animals etc. at ease. Making such designs is a an art of traditional skill which only few elders possess in the families. The act of making designs is called ‘aniyuka’ in malayalam.Ladies and girls who are endowed with native artistic talent do flower arrangement with enthusiasm. It brings out their artistic talents. Competitions are also held for pookalam preparation and prizes are given to the best ones. The pookalams with its myriad hues and designs are cynosure to the eyes. It is pookalam or flowering season. It would appear that the mother Nature is spruced up or decked up for the festival.

The flowers are changed daily  At the centre of pookalam  Idol of Mahadevar or Mahavishnu  is  placed on a stand a lighted   Nilavilakku –traditional bronze /Bell Metal, oil lamp with stand and ornamental tip ( which is a fine piece of Kerala handicraft and a   symbol of Kerala culture) is kept on the left side of the Idol. Ghee or sesame oil and cotton wick  are used (. Before starting any function, there is lighting of lamp to invoke divine grace and blessings for auspicious ending of whatever is initiated. Light  or Jyothi  it is called in Sanskrit stands for knowledge and virtues  or all , that is good as opposed to Thamas or wickedness, according to our  ancient spiritual  treatises . 

Thus  when lamp is lit , we are reminded of  our commitment to  practice virtues  in life .( It has been found that the smoke that results from burning of cotton wicks immersed in ghee and sesame or castor oil  is healthy .Eye tech or surma   as it called in malayalam which ladies use to line the eyes as part of makeup  is found to be good  for eye sight It  prevents eye diseases. .It is a case of age old wisdom which we are losing fast due to modern influence of consumer culture .)

Thus preparation for Puja   gets completed.( Puja is worship with some rituals like offering flower petals , vermillion , ghee to the deity ,circumambulating the lighted lamp and the flame of burning camphor  before the  deity ,  ringing bells and   singing devotional songs in praise of deity .The word puja came  from the word poojya meaning venerable.)

This is the simple ceremony of installing the deity Mahavishu incarnated as Vamana  Various traditional dishes are prepared  during times of worship as offerings to deity or called as ‘Prasad’ Nothing  which is kept as Prasad  such as sweets , savory etc is bought from the shops.

Everything is prepared hygienically and with sense of devotion even today, thus maintaining the sanctity of the occasion..Thus Onam goes beyond an occasion for merry making and entertainment. It has deep meaning or significance. It is a Religious and spiritual festival of worship of supreme power, who is responsible for the creation , sustenance and dissolution of the universe or universal drama. Onam spirit is imbibed which acts as conscience keeper or check our cravings and animal instincts from running amok.

 It is believed that King Mahabali visits each house to see his people in happiness, joy and contentment. Pooja is performed three times a day, morning, noon and late evening before Mahadevar.Different kinds of sweets and savory are prepared as Naivedhym or offering to God .The eldest member of the family called’ Karanavar’ in Malayalam performs pooja .All other members of the family and visitors chant kirthans or devotional songs and pray for the blessings of God for the year ahead to be auspicious and prosperous.

All stay happy no matter whether they are rich or poor. They forget their worries and stay high spirited .There is festive mood all around .who ever visits   including strangers, visits the house are treated as guests . The epic saying ‘Athidhi devo bhava’  in Sanskrit , meaning guests are equivalent to Gods .

They are seated in the same pandi or row, on matted floor , sign of equality and serve feast , without discrimination  of caste ,class etc .at a time when such discrimination were rampant in other parts of the country .It was in Kerala f first communist government in the world was formed in 1958 .It reflects progressive mentality and secular attitude of the people which is rooted in the ancient culture Onam celebration is a typical example of this .

Apart from household function, Onam is celebrated as a social event or as ‘harvest festival’ jointly by people belonging to other religions and also as state festival

 Onasadhya or sumptuous feast

Onasadhya is an elaborately prepared feast. It is said that in ancient times as many as 75 items were prepared. Now a days  though Onasdhya is not that elaborate , at least12 to16 typical  dishes are prepared  meticulously  Some of the major dishes prepared are Kalan , Olan , Erusseri, Pulesseri, Aviyal and so on .Coconut  kernels are used liberally . Right ingredients in right proportions are used to ensure that each dish has its unique taste and flavor.

All members of the family share the work and they enjoy whatever they do.  Almost all the vegetables are used for cooking .Only fresh vegetables are used for cooking. During Onam time fruits and vegetables ripe.    They were collected from kitchen gardens maintained in each house and not bought from market. People were hard working (. They  plant plants yielding vegetables and fruits much  before Onam , and  vegetables and fruits are ready to be harvested during Onam time .Each family was self-sufficient  for vegetables, fruits , rice etc . It was a joy for all members in the family to toil in the soil .

It was a time of man’s intimate relations with Mother Nature. Later generations gave up this habit and they were not as industrious as their forefathers.  The land under cultivation also started shrinking .It was not the time when everything was given monetary value. For instance those who grew fruits and vegetables took pleasure to part with some free to  others as a mark of good will .Consumerism was not at its heights we find today .In those days there was trust between man and man. In consumerist economy there is hardly trust between people and they do hard bargaining. At present the plight is such that Keralities depend upon rice, vegetables, fruits flowers etc coming from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu) .

Of late they have to buy food items from the market. During Onam times special cooperative markets called’ Maveli Onachanda ‘   are organised. Where the essential things are available at reasonable rates .These markets are run (Govt supervised) in old times there was self-sufficiency in food production. Of late the situation has changed. Many items had to come from other states.)

Elders in the family who are experts in cooking the traditional Kerala type of dishes engage in cooking. Cooing each item is elaborate to retain special taste. Cooking starts the previous night .All family members, including children provide helping hand. Thus it was an act of perfect co-operation  and team work . All enjoy what they do .Cooking begins with raw materials. They are ground to paste. No readymade powers or instant mixes of masala are used.

Vegetables are cut uniformly   to particular shapes and shapes. Even cutting vegetables was a skilled act. . So the food items prepared not only was mouth watering but was also to cynosure to our eyes. It was an arena to exhibit culinary skills about which they were proud of. They enjoyed the act of serving and being hospitable .with the result, Onasadhya was not only a real treat to our pallets but soothing experience. and an opportunity to revive the culinary skill of the past .

Elders in the family , guests and children were given food first. Any one happens to visit lunch time is a guest. It  was a social custom in Kerala that ladies including  aged take food only after serving food to men and children .It is an indication that they are source of nurturance or maternal love and sacrifice and not due to superior status assigned to men . It is spirit of self-sacrifice inculcated in the minds of women  who were the custodians of families .women take care of others before they take care of themselves. So every action reflects age old Kerala culture and values. Only incisive mind can understand that subtle message of human values.

 Cultural Extravaganza

  One of the marvelous facet of Onam is unfolding of Kerala’s rich culture like art, music, dance both traditional and folk etc. We see not just glimpses of it, but a whole gamut of it during the 10 days long carnival. Various dance forms like the world famous Kathakali or Dance Drama  , Mohaniattum , Kaikotti or Onakali , Pulikali ,Kummatti kali ,Thumbi thullal ,Kalaripayattu or marshal art and so on are performed during evenings .

Musical instruments- percussion instruments like Chendra or drum , Panchavadhyam or collection of  a number of percussion, air and string instruments played in fusion, Edakka –temple percussion musical instrument which produces high pitch melodious sound ,  , Thayambaka   etc are played by experts with competitive spirit. Ladies, particularly young ladies in their traditional kerala dress –wearing Kasavumundu and kasavu pavu with silk blouse and wearing necklaces, dance around the Mahadevar idol to the tune of folk music .  Children play in the open ground simple ball game called Thalapanthu.  Elders engage themselves in Feat called ‘Onathallu’.

 There are a number of community events like Athachamayam or grand procession with caparisoned  elephants  in Tripunithara , the abode of else while cochin Royal families  ,Snake boat race at Alapuza   ,  Arammula uthrattathi boat event  , staging of Kahthakali, dance drama of Kerala  at Kalamandalam , near Trichur , grand procession with decorated elephants  with assemblage of vadyamelam in Trichur which is called the cultural capital of Kerala .

Of these snake boat race deserves some elaboration. The event is held  just a few days before on am in vembanatu kayal  or vembanatu back waters  which covers a large area, with scenic beauty of nature .A large number of big and small canoes  which are specially crafted and are very efficient for navigation build using ancient skills ,take part . In each canoe, there will be large number of persons for toeing who are highly skilled in toeing the boats. The people in each boat   try to overtake the other boats with competitive spirit. They work in unison or high sense of coordination and put their best efforts. Hundreds of people assemble on either side of the lake to motivate, cheer up and infuse competitive spirit in the rowers.

The event portrays the need for team spirit  and thrust of efforts in leading to success , the need to be in high spirits or motivated and  the need for acting as a source of encouragement in  scoring success in any field of human activity .Here two types of competitive spirit are seen namely competing with oneself and competing with others or competing with one self or trying to do one’s best as a way to compete with or  win over others .

Team spirit and the  energized action that come out of team spirit or the feeling that they belong to the same group having common goal and stake come out through the entire action episode . The psyche of those who participate and those who are spectators get pepped up . All of them are free from tension .In other words they are relaxed and have positive state of mind- the attitude that ‘we can ‘or develop sense of optimism and self –confidence. In that state of mind, if they experience team spirit in operation, it is likely that they develop these qualities in their day to day life. This is the psychological dynamics or implications of this social event, quite apart from its entertainment aspect.

Such benefits will accrue only if people understand such messages and visualize those aspects or see those aspects in their mental or inner eyes or a visual and emotional experience of those events .This is the way festivals contribute to peace and action –orientation and faith in one’s capacities in the society.  On the contrary, if we take festivals just as an occasion to have fun and entertainment, they will not serve the societal purpose they were supposed to serve. If we don’t derive such larger benefits , it is same as throwing away the banana and eating the peal .

To derive  the larger gains  out of celebrating the festivals , we should  go by its sprit that is understanding of what a particular festival stands for in the form of human values and how those can be made part and parcel of our life for all the benefits both to the individual and the society at large. . Thus to conclude, Oman festival is multi-faceted and symbol of rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

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