Onam 2023: Onam, the most prominent annual festival in Kerala, serves a threefold purpose: commemorating the legendary King Mahabali, rejoicing in the conclusion of the monsoon season, and extending a warm welcome to the harvest. This Indian festival, exuding joy, thrill, and delight across all age groups, offers a remarkable experience.
Spanning a span of ten days during Kerala's Chingam month, Onam witnesses grand processions, vibrant boat races, and traditional folk dances like Thiruvathira, Kathakali, and the lively Pulikali, also known as the tiger dance.
Occurring at the onset of the Chingam month, usually between August and September, Onam stands as a tribute to the return of the mythical ruler King Mahabali to his native land in ancient Kerala.
Inaugurating Onam is the Tripunithura Athachamayam Festival, which launches with a street parade adorned with a diverse array of traditional arts, encompassing music, dance, captivating carnival floats, and elaborately adorned elephants.
Families engage in crafting pookkalam, intricate floral designs placed on the ground before their dwellings, symbolizing the warm reception of King Mahabali.
During the 2023 Onam festival, various leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Mumru, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, along with several others, conveyed their well-wishes.
They encouraged people to share the joy of Kerala's 10-day harvest festival and expressed hopes for prosperity.
On X platform (previously known as Twitter), Prime Minister Modi shared his Onam wishes, stating, "Sending my Onam greetings to all! May you be blessed with excellent health, unmatched happiness, and great prosperity.
Throughout the past years, Onam has evolved into a worldwide festival, magnificently displaying Kerala's lively culture.
President Murmu extended her greetings to the populace, remarking, "During this propitious moment, we extend our thanks to Mother Nature for her countless blessings.
May this harvest festival bring forth prosperity and a sense of unity among everyone."
The festival finds its roots in a well-known mythology. According to the legend, the southern state was once under the rule of 'Mahabali', a benevolent Asura (demon) king. His reign was characterized by equality among all and the absence of deceit and theft.
However, the Gods, driven by jealousy towards his rule, conspired to banish him to the underworld, with the assistance of Lord Vishnu. As per the myth, following his dethronement, Mahabali was granted permission to return on Thiruvonam day each year – the tenth day of the festival. Since then, the festival of Onam commemorates the king's annual homecoming.