Image: Shutterstock
When you hear ‘Onam’, what comes to mind is a bunch of festivities. An elaborate and delicious spread on a banana leaf and a beautifully decorated pookalam. Oh, let’s not forget getting dolled up for the festival wearing the traditional cream and golden Kerala attire. Onam gets its name from Thiruvonam or Sravanam because it is celebrated in the month of Sravana according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is primarily celebrated in Kerala for 10 days by all Malayalees, irrespective of their religion or caste.
Onam is also a harvest festival. The plentiful spread of food on the banana leaf and the aesthetically laid out pookalam signifies prosperity and bountiful harvests. Young and old, men, women, and children dress up in gold ornaments and celebrate Onam together. But there is more to Onam than just festivities. It signifies a deeper meaning, and today we want to share it with you.
Image: Shutterstock
With the festival just around the corner, we at MomJunction thought it would be good to give you a gist on why this beautiful festival is celebrated.
Why Is Onam Celebrated?
Image: Shutterstock
Legend has it that Mahabali, a strong and well-learned king, was performing a yagna when a poor Brahmin boy entered his palace. King Mahabali was a generous king who loved to provide for his people. Therefore, as usual, the king asked him what he wants, and the little boy said that he wants space on his land that could be measured by three of his footsteps. He instantly agreed and granted the boy his request. But little did he know, the boy was an avatar of Lord Vishnu himself.
As soon as his request was granted, the legend goes that the young boy, Vamana, transformed into a gigantic form of Trivikrama and took his first step, which covered the whole earth. With his next step, he measured the entire sky. Vamana had taken over all of Mahabali’s kingdom with just two steps and asked the king where he should place his third step. The generous king, a huge devotee of Lord Vishnu, graciously offered his head in devotion.
Image: Shutterstock
His act of surrender and devotion impressed Lord Vishnu. On the Mahabali people’s request, the king was granted permission to return to his land once a year to be with his people. This day of the return of king Mahabali is celebrated as Onam.
What Does It Signify?
While the story behind why it is celebrated is quite fascinating, there is a deeper meaning to this legendary tale. It helps us understand how to live a humble life and realize our real place in this universe.
Humans are egoistic beings, and ego is the truest enemy of the soul. Knowledge and humility are the two forces that can help us transcend our ego. Like Vamana, the ego can be conquered in three simple steps:
1. By Measuring The Earth
Image: Shutterstock
When your ego governs you, look around and be amazed by the numerous living creatures you are surrounded with. It humbles you to know that you are a part of this magical concoction.
2. By Measuring The Skies
Image: Shutterstock
The sky is a vast unlimited space of sheer awesomeness. It reminds us that there are many worlds in our universe and how minute we are in this cosmos. Compared to the vastness of the universe, we are insignificant beings.
3. By Placing Your Hand On Your Head
Image: Shutterstock
Place your hand on your head to remind yourself that life is uncertain. It teaches us that each living being has a greater purpose in this world. But the cycle of life and death for every living being in the entire cosmos is tiny, and the role we play is even smaller.
Did you know that the festival of Onam has such a profound significance? If we piqued your interest in this article, share it with your friends and family to spread the knowledge.
