Onam , the National festival of Malayalis is at hand. Myth or reality the dream like concept of Onam reminds us of a golden period in which the people lived in harmony. Brotherhood , friendliness and communal amity constituted the soul of that welfare state .
Virtues and values were the hallmark of the society when the mythical king Mahabali ruled the state.
It was a period of plenty and prosperity. It is believed that on the day of Thiruonam ,Mahabali visits his country to watch the welfare of his subjects. In the fond memory of the benevolent King , Malayalis celebrate that occasion as a festival with all pomp and splendor .
Onam is a ‘ message ‘ rather than a festival. The message of communal harmony is fostered while celebrating Onam. The festivities associated with Onam enable to create a feeling of togetherness. Even the Malayalis living in other parts of the country and abroad celebrate Onam as a community festival irrespective of caste and creed. In a world where fundamentalism and fragmentation tendencies are growing , the message of Onam is relevant like a soothing balm.
During Onam , Malayalis put on new luxurious cloths. Onam , its myth and anecdotes are dear to the Malayalis. The malayalis all over the world eagerly wait for the arrival of Onam every year either to visit their home land or to receive Mahabali. Even in the busy schedule of modern life Onam is a nostalgia in the minds of every Malayali.Over the years Onam stands as an embodiment of love and affection.
MESSAGE
It is high time we should think about the message of Onam rather than merely celebrating it. The message of Onam can be summed up in three words – equality , fraternity and dharma . The malayalis decorate their portico with pookalam. Pookalam is an icon of equality….. every flowers and leaves get due place in a floral carpet , the same way the society becomes more beautiful only when different people come together in harmony. Dharma reminds how a ruler should be…… ‘ yada raja tada praja ‘. When Mahabali was reigning there was no duplicity , fraud , injustice or inequality anywhere in Kerala . One can emphatically say that Kerala was a veritable utopia under Mahabali .
SPECIAL FEATURES OF ONAM
1) Onapookkalam :
The colorful floral decorations is expected to adorn every household for ten days starting from Atham . Children travel far and wide to collect different types of flowers.
2) Vallamkali:
Vallamkali and vanchipattu is associated with Onam. Tre are some legends behind the different vallamkalis.
3) Onasadya:
Among the feast ,Onasadya still holds the place of pride in the celebrations , despite the changes that have come . Different kind of dishes make the feast delicious.
4) Unjalattam :
During the Onam dayas we can find the malayalis enjoying on a swing. Along with all these , every village will be in full swing with variety of cultural items. Onam is a festival for them to have out door games.
5) Pulikkali :
Pulikkali is a variety item on the days o f onam. Usually gents participate in this completion with high sprit .
6) Thiruvathira kali :
Thiruvathirakali and thuimbi thullal are meant exclusively for girls.
A person who does not celebrate Onam is not a genuine Malayali . Onam is not just a matter of festivity , it is the celebration of the spirit of kerala .
BIJU V FRANCIS
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