Onam is an annual harvest festival celebrated in Kerala it is official event of this state as per Hindu mythology Onam commemorates King Bali.
Mahabali is a Asura who found liberation at the feet of Vamana Lord Vishnu's incarnation a dwarf Mahabali was the grand son of Prahalad . Mahabali is portrayed as a cultural hero a benevolent ruler, he chose to gave up his life for protecting his subjects and was allowed by Vamana to return back once in a year.
The earliest reference to Onam is found in Maturaikkanci - a Sangam era Tamil Poem it mentions Onam being celebrated in Madurai Temples when games and duels are held in premises, oblations were sent to temples, people wore new clothes and feasted.
Onam falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month according to Malayalam calendar the celebrations marks the Malayalam New Year, are spread over ten days and concludes with Thiruvonam the ten days are sequentially known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thirketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thriuvonam.
Other days have a diverse range of celebrations and wide range of activities ranging from boat races, cultural programs, sports competitions, dance events, martial arts, floral Rangoli - pookkalam, prayers, shopping, donating time or food for charity to spending time with family over feats .
Onam is also a harvest festival as per the scriptures Mahabali defeated the gods and took over the three worlds this made the gods insecure about their rule and they were worried by the popularity of Mahabali they urged to Lord Vishnu for help to fight against the demon King Mahabali. As Mahabali was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and thus, the Gods found it difficult to take sides.
Vamana asked for his property rights over a piece of land that measured 'three paces' Mahabali agreed to Lord Vishnu's terms then the Vamana avatar expanded himself and covered everything to keep his word and honor Mahabali offered his head for the third step.
Thus, impressed by his gestures Lord Vishnu allowed him to return to Earth once a year this homecoming is celebrated as Onam .
Sadya, a multi -course meal served on banana leaves is one of the biggest highlights in Onam the festival also marks people participating in boat races called the Vallam Kali. The word Onam is originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which refers to one of the 27 Nakshatras or constellations .
May this festival of Onam bring lots of happiness and joy in your life!!
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Wishing you all a great, vivacious, prosperous, happy, healthy, abundant, and blissful Onam! Let this festival bring good fortune and abundance in your family.
As Onam spirit travel all over I wish a happy Onam sadya and happiness Happy Onam.
Sending you all warm greetings to you and your family wishing you life as colorful as pookalam, and as prosperous and bountiful harvest !!!!
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