ONAM

 ONAM

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala it is time everything looks fresh. During this period flowers blossom , crops ripe and vegetables and fruits attain full growth. In this day Malayali nurtures an emotional bond that evoke rich memories of glorious past. For people away from Kerala, onam sets stage for nostalgic homecoming. It is an occasion of family reunions. In Kerala, onam embodies the spirit of its people. It is celebrated across different communities. All famous publications bring out special programs for the festival. The numerous television channels compete with one another to render better fare for their viewers. The railway run special trains, hotels have special tariffs, film industries churn out new releases to satisfy filmy appetite in Kerala. Most of home finance companies offer onam special rates during festive season. Home appliances and different consumer durables Markey come up with attractive discount rates and are sold off like hot pancakes. People will go on for shopping and most salaried employees will receive festive bonus and incentives during Onam. Street vendors are making brisk business in onam carnival. It is a revival for the market altogether. Malayali associations across the world actively celebrate onam with the same Kerala style. The handloom industries provide the rebate offered by the government. Weavers across Kerala organize variety of expo in different parts of the state to reach out the common people. Major jewelry showrooms offer alluring offers like bumper prizes like trips,cars etc through lucky draw. They offer discount on making charges of jewelleries. Tempting offers galore all around. Onam is festival of prosperity. 

The myth behind Onam festival is that it is believed that during Onam, Mahabali, the erstwhile king of Kerala comes on for an annual revisit to his kingdom. According to mythology prosperity prevailed during reign of Mahabali and gods become envious of it, Lord Vishnu in order to put an end to Mahabali ‘s regime appeared in disguise as little Vamana. He requested land equal in size of his three footsteps. On being agreed Lord Vishnu took his full form physically and ethereally. The first step covered the entire celestial world. With second step covered the world of demons. Mahabali realized that third step would take earth which will affect his people. Mahabali pleaded to take the third step over him to spare his people. As mark of respect to his sacrifice of bebevolent monarch made for his people. Mahabali was allowed to visit his kingdom once every year. Onam is the time of year when malayalam calender begins. It is followed by monsoon in Kerala. Onam falls on mid- chingam the maiden month of malayalam calendar. With Atham the real countdown to Thiruvonam begins. Floral carpet is laid in front of household begins from Atham and continues 10 days till Thiruvonam. Rituals such as laying of pookkalam in courtyards of homes and gifting new clothes called Onakkodi are customs during Onam. Cultural events like Oonjalaattam, Onathallu, Pullikali, Thalapandu etc are organized in Kerala. Sadya in tender plantain leaves is part of festivity. 



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