- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Onam 2023: As one of the auspicious events, Onam is a festival of immense significance in Kerala. As part of the 10-day Onam celebrations, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, Keralites pay honour to the legendary King Mahabali's return, which has a lot of tales associated with it.
Onam is also recognized as a harvest festival. A sense of abundance and wealth, which Onam symbolizes, is evoked by the aesthetically pleasing flower arrangements (Pookalam) in front of the house that incorporate a variety of vibrant flowers. This rich and vibrant festival is celebrated with lots of zeal and enthusiasm. Let us know the story and rituals associated with this wonderful festival.
Onam 2023: Story Associated With This Auspicious Festival
Maha Bali, the grandson of Prahalad Maharaj was a powerful and intelligent ruler who valued knowledge. When a young, glistening boy approached the yagna shala, Maha Bali was in the middle of a yagna. Maha Bali greeted the dazzling youngster and inquired about his needs. The small youngster asked for a room, which was equivalent to three of his own steps. To the dismay of his Guru Shukracharya, who warned him that the visitor was none other than Lord Vishnu Himself, Maha Bali immediately agreed.
According to legend, the child Vamana took on the enormous shape of Trivikrama as soon as the three footsteps were granted, and with the first step of his foot, he measured the entire earth. He then measured the entirety of the sky with his second stride. Mahabali's entire empire, the surface of the planet, and the sky were covered by both of his steps. Then Vamana enquired of the king where he ought to place his third step. King Mahabali, being the grandson of the greatest devotee Prahlada Maharaj, happily presented his head for the third step in complete devotion and submission to the Lord.
Recognizing his state of obedience, the Lord rewarded him and sent him to Pataala, promising to make him Indra in the following Manvanthara and that he Would Himself watch over Pataala's Gates. Upon the request of the people in King Maha Bali’s kingdom, Lord Vishnu permitted Bali to travel back to his kingdom once a year from the Pataala Loka in order to be with his people. Hence, the day of King Maha Bali’s return has been recognized as Onam.
Onam 2023: Rituals Associated With This Sacred Festival
This auspicious festival is marked with great reverence and enthusiasm by devotees all across Kerala. Boat races, dance styles, Rangoli, cuisine, and traditional attire are all part of the Onam festivities. Men perform the Pulikali art, while women create the Pookkalam floral designs. 13 dishes are served on banana leaves as part of the lavish Onam Sadya meal.
