Again the
harvest festival Onam has arrived. It is the state festival of state of Kerala.
Though it has legendry associated with Hindu mythology, it is being celebrated
by all religion irrespective of Class and Caste. This it self shows the
communal harmony of state of Kerala.
The myth
says that Kerala was ruled by just and noble King called Mahabali. During his reign
people were considered equal with no difference of caste and class. The kingdom
prospered during his reign. He became so popular that people started worshipping
him and forgot God. So in order to bring back the people on track towards God Shri
Maha Vishnu was requested to find a solution. Shri Maha Vishnu took up the
avatar of Dwarf Vamana and appeared in front of King Mahabali. He asked King
Mahabali for three steps of Land for him. King being so kind and warm hearted
readily agreed. In the very first step the Brahmin (vamana) took , he occupied entire
Earth, the second entire Heaven and asked where he should keep the third step
to which king offered his head and told him to place on his head. Vaman Placed
the third step on his head and was pushed towards pathal. But before he
vanished to Pathal he asked for a boon that he would love to visit his subject
and kingdom once in a year and that boon was granted. People believe that King
Mahabali visits them during Onam.
However as
the years went on all sects of the people started celebrating Onam. In actual
it is a harvest festival and each and everyone in Kerala celebrates it with great
pomp. Ona sadhya is the centre of attraction. It will have variety of vegetables
and curries made of vegetables and rice served on fresh cut banana leaves. Different
types of Payasam are being served. One also can see floral carpet (flower
rangoli) being put in front of the house. This floral carpet is being put from
day one Atham to Last day Thiruonam. Everyone in the house wears their new
clothes and with great festive mood prepares for Onasadhya.
This year
too the people of Kerala are celebrating Onam with the same interest and
enthusiasm.
May People
of Kerala celebrate the Onam festival with the same Communal harmony and prosper
as per the will of King Mahabali.
Goanz……………..
