2022
Onam - the most important season in Kerala
This post is dedicated to all the local heroes in Kerala who have help in all ways small or big in the recent devastating flood, the worst in a century. Special mention to all the humble heroic local fishermen whom without which, the flood would have been a much bigger disaster. In acts of bravery and kindness, there was no barrier of age, religion, location, caste, wealth - there was only the greatness of saving lives.
This year 2018 however, due the flood disaster and that financial and human resources to be better spent elsewhere to help the people, the state observance for Onam has been called off.
Also for those who are willing to help, donations can be made directly to the publicly audited Kerala State fund with details here. https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/
This post is only for showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Kerala. Photos below are taken from my past years' Onam experiences. This year's Onam season for most people in Kerala will be spent helping the needy, ensuring food water and amenities to the shelters, relocating victims, clearing up after the flood, rebuilding the state and ensuring everyone is taken care of. It will take many months to a year for life to return close to normal.
About Onam:
Onam is a 10-day observance, traditionally celebrating the harvest season, by the Malayali people of state of Kerala in South India, and everywhere else in the world. The timing of Onam is based on the Hindu calendar, which falls on the Malayalam month of Chingam, and is usually around August or September each year. It's also considered a new year based on the Malayalam calendar. It is a festival that is traditionally celebrated by all Malayalis regardless of location or religion as a cultural celebration. However this has changed a little as more non-Hindus see this event with religious roots, but still many non-Hindus continue to join in the celebration. This year, the main day of Onam (Thiruvonam, second day of Onam) falls on 25th of August 2018.
During Onam, the most important figure is King Mahabali or King Maveli as locals call him. The legend and story of Maveli although from Hindu roots, is considered cultural by many non-Hindus in Kerala. King Mahabali was a very powerful, peaceful, loving, kind king who governed the land and was exceedingly loved by his people. Without going into too much details in the story, basically after he was gone, King Mahabali was given permission to return each year to visit his people on the second day of Onam to check on their well being, because he was a good devoted king. This is also why during every Onam, we will find many people dressed up as King Mahabali going round to offer greetings to houses. He would be dressed in kingly ornaments with a headgear, and carrying a traditional umbrella.
On the first day of Onam, most houses, offices and business will make a floral arrangement on the ground using flowers called a Pookkalam or Onapookkalam. This arrangement is made by fresh flower petals and is done is many different myriads of symmetrical shapes and color. Usually a traditional oil-lamp or Deepam is lit in the center or corner of the pookkalam. The flower arrangements brightens up the season and welcomes the mood of the celebrations.
Lunch on Thiruvonam is probably the most important meal for the festival where families and friends come together to have Onasadhya (Ona-Sadhya) meaning feast during Onam in the Malayalam language. Onasadhya is a vegetarian meal of boiled Matta rice with many varieties of delicious vegetarian components. Some places such as Aranmulla, the Onasadhya may have over 100 components. Here are the basic components of an Onasadhya. They should include boiled rice (choru); at least 3-4 type of gravy include Parappu curry, Mooru Curry, Sambar, Rasam; Vegetables dishes including Aviyal, Puliserry, Pachadi, Kichadi, Olan, Thoran, Eriserry, Kalan; Pickles including Achar, Puli inji, Uppu; Papadam, Banana chips, Sweet banana chips, Fresh Banana; and at least a few types of dessert or Payasam. [Image below borrowed from www.sharmispassions.com]
During the Onam season, there are other programs traditionally run. One of the very important Onam program is Pulikali, translated as Tiger/Leopard Play, where participants dress up and paint their bodies looking like leopards, tigers or lions. Every year, there is a state-wide main Pulikali event during Onam in the main town center of Thrissur where over a hundred thousand people may join in the festivities.
Also during the Onam season, which is usually around the time when the monsoon starts tapering down, the annual Kerala boat race season or Vallam Kali (meaning boat games/race in Malayalam). The 2 biggest events include the more serious Nehru Cup boat race in Alappuzha; and the more cultural boat race in the town of Aranmulla in Pathanamthitta district where the boat racers sing and becomes a community bonding experience.
This year 2018 however, in light of the flood disaster and that financial and human resources to be better spent elsewhere to help the people, the state observance for Onam has been called off. This year Onam season for most people in Kerala will be spent helping the needy, relocating victims, clearing up after the flood and rebuilding the state.
Also for those who are willing to help, donations can be made directly to the publicly audited Kerala State fund with details here. https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/
Just a short greeting of peace and blessings of Onam to all Malayalis, especially to all the wonderful brothers and sisters at our Kerala Local Guides Community.
