Onam 2025Image Credit Source: Getty Images
Importance of onam: The festival of Onam has entered its last and most important day today. Today is the main day of this festival lasting 10 days, which is known as Thiruonam. This is the day when it is believed that King Mahabali comes to the earth from Patal Lok to meet his subjects. On this special occasion, the entire Kerala is immersed in gaiety and traditions, where Onam Sadhya (feast), folk dance and traditional sports are organized in the house.
Importance of Thiruonam, welcome to King Mahabali
The biggest attraction of Onam is its mythological story. It is believed that on the day of Onam, the Asura King Mahabali comes to the earth every year to see the prosperity of his subjects. In his reception, people decorate their homes with flowers with a rangoli (pukkalam) and light a lamp in front of the houses. This honor towards King Mahabali is an integral part of the culture of Kerala. People get up early in the morning and bathe on this day, wear traditional costumes and do special worship in homes.
Onam Sadhya: Mahabhoj of 24 dishes
Onam is the biggest attraction of Thiruonam. It is a grand feast made of more than 24 types of vegetarian dishes, which is served on banana leaves. Sadhya includes Avia, Sambar, Rasam, many types of curry, psychic, khichdi, and various types of pickles. The most special dish is Payasam (Kheer), which is of many types. The taste and preparation of each dish is different. All the family members sit together and enjoy this delicious food, which increases the happiness of this festival manifold.
The festival will be adorned with Pulikali and Kathakali
The celebration of Onam is not limited to food just. Traditional folk arts and dances are also performed on this day. Pulikali, also known as “tiger dance”, has a special attraction of Onam. In this, artists dance by making stripes like tiger on their body. This dance attracts the audience a lot. Apart from this, classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniatam are also performed.
This last day of Onam is not only of feast and dances, but it is also a day to spend with family and friends, forget the old-grown-shikwe and increase mutual love. This festival reflects the culture, tradition and its deep association with the culture, tradition and nature of Kerala.
Importance and History of Onam
The most important aspect of Onam is its mythological story. This festival is a symbol of the arrival of the Asura King Mahabali on the earth. According to mythology, Mahabali was a very kind and mighty king, under whose reign the subjects were very happy. His rule was so good that the gods also jealous of him. Mahabali had performed a yajna, after which he announced that he would not refuse anyone to ask for anything. Then Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (dwarf Brahmin) and asked for three steps near Mahabali.
Vamana measured the whole earth in the first step, the whole sky in the second. Now there is no place left for the third step. King Mahabali asked Vamana to keep the third step on his head to fulfill his promise. As soon as Vamana kept the third step, King Mahabali went to Patal Lok. However, Lord Vishnu was so pleased with his generosity and love love that he gave the Mahabali a boon to come to Earth to meet his subjects once a year. This is the reason that this festival is celebrated every year to welcome King Mahabali on Onam.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV 9 India does not confirm this.