The Story of Onam
In Kerala, which is known for its natural bounty and beauty, the occasion that people eagerly look forward to is Onam, the most important festival in this southern state. This festival usually comes in August and lasts for ten days.During these ten days, Kerala bursts into color, with Pookalams (floralrangolis), traditions song and dance performances, folk arts, fireworks,feasting, and merrymaking. Onam marks the legendary King Mahabali’s return to his erstwhile kingdom, to esquire about the well-being of his people. It is said that Mahabali was a great ruler who took good care of his subjects and ensured their welfare and prosperity. To assure him that they are doing well,the people of Kerala organize the grand celebrations that are part of Onam.
Onam is also a harvest festival. A most attractive Onam ritual is the colorful and beautiful floral carpets in front of houses. These are created by the adult sand children of the house, with a variety of flowers. This is called Pookalam. Women wearing traditional clothes and ornaments dance the Thiruvathira kali, avery graceful dance form indigenous to Kerala. Young men, their bodies painted like tigers or leopards, dance the Puli kali, regaling the crowds with theirantics. Temples host traditional arts like Kathakali performances. Thumbi thullal and Kummati kali are folk dances. All these evoke the bygone glory of‘ Maveli Naduvana kalam’, or the glorious reign of King Mahabali. The elaborate feast called Sadya features more than 20 dishes.
Mahabali was a great asura king. He was the grandson of Prahalada and was so strong that he was even feared by the gods who felt that he posed a threat to them. Oneday, Mahabali was performing a yagna, when a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana, approached him. When Mahabali asked him what he wanted, the young boy requested land that could be measured by three footsteps of Mahabali.
Mahabali agreed, but his Guru Shukra charya tried to warn him, saying that the Brahmin was Vishnu in disguise. But Mahabali did not renege on his word. As he was about to take the three footsteps, Vamana assumed a gigantic form called Trivikrama. With the first footstep, he measured the entire earth. With the second step, he measured the sky. With two steps, he thus covered Mahabali’s kingdom,the earth, and the sky. Then Vamana asked Mahabali where he should place his third step. Mahabali, the grandson of the great Vishnu devotee, Prahlada,gladly offered his head for Vamana’s third step.
The Lord was pleased with his attitude of surrender and blessed him. Then he put his foot on Mahabali’s head and sent him down to Pathala. He also promised to make him Indra in the next Manvanthara said that he would guard the gates of Pathala. As per the request of Mahabali’s people, Vishnu gave him permission to return to his kingdom once every year, to see his people. The day Mahabali returns is celebrated as Onam.
The Moral behind the story
The Vamana avatar story comes from the Puranas. Behind the story lies a deeper layer of meaning.
Ego prevents us from knowing God. But with knowledge and humility, we can overcome ego, which can become huge like the earth and the sky. But ego can be vanquished in three simple steps, the way Vamana conquered Mahabali.
Step1: The first step is to measure the earth. When we look around us, we will feel humbled by the number of living beings that exist on earth, other than us.
Step2: For the second step, measure the sky. When we look up at the sky, we will be humbled by its vastness and the fact that there are many other worlds in the cosmos and also our insignificance in this cosmos.
Step3: The third step is to keep your hand on your head. By doing this, you will realize that the time span of our lives is very small and that we have only amino role to play in the order of the cosmos
The Significance of Shravan month
Onam occurs in the Shravan month under the Shravana star in the Hindu calendar. Shravan falls between August-September in the South. In Kerala, this month is called Chingam. The full moon in this month coincides with Shravana star.
The 3 footprints of Vamana
Shravana is the set of stars known as Altair in western astronomy as Altair. It is the bright star in the Aquila constellation. The stars, Beta and Gamma Aquilae, are seen flanking it on either side.
These three stars are said to be the three footprints of Vamana’s gigantic form,Trivikrama. One may wonder what does the legend of Mahabali and Vamana, have todo with the name Shravana for this star? The word ‘Shravana’ denotes ‘to listen’ or ‘to pay heed to’. Thus, these three stars testifying to the result of Mahabali’s disobedience form a constant reminder to listen or pay heed to sound advice.
