The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival Onam, Kerala’s colourful and happy harvest festival, is more than just a celebration of culture. This festival has its roots in ancient myths.
It celebrates the wise leadership of the mythical demon king Mahabali and the kindness of Lord Vamana. As we start the Onam celebrations of 2023, let’s look into the legends that make this colourful holiday what it is.
So, The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival The Story of Onam
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So as per this The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, Hindu mythology says that the story of Onam is about the kind demon king Mahabali.
During Mahabali’s rule, there was peace, equality, and a level of popularity that had never been seen before.
But as his power and popularity grew among the people of Kerala, the gods became jealous and tried to take away some of his power.
To do this, they asked Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a short Brahmin named Vamana. Vamana came to Earth with a clever plan to see how generous Mahabali was. He asked the king for just three feet of land.
Mahabali agreed, and he even offered his own head when Vamana grew big enough to measure the universe.
Vamana was moved by Mahabali’s kindness, so he gave him one wish: he could visit his kingdom and people.
The Celebrations of Onam
So based on this The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, Onam celebrations last for ten days and end with a big party called Thiruvonam.
These ten days have different names: Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. The first day and the last day are especially important.
Onam started on August 20, 2023, and will last until August 31, 2023, giving people a long time to be happy and have fun.
What is the legend behind Onam celebration?
The Onam Festival is an annual event that takes place in Kerala, India, and is known for being a spectacular celebration that lasts for ten days.
This festival, which celebrates the harvest season and is frequently referred to as the “festival of rain flowers,” is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, cultural practises, and legendary tales.
Taking place during the first month of the Malayalam calendar, Chingam, which typically runs from the middle of August to the middle of September, Onam is a time when the state of Kerala comes to life with vibrant colours, fragrant aromas, and jubilant celebrations.
How It All Begins
So as guided on this The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, On Atham day, the celebrations start with a lot of excitement at the Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara temple in Kochi.
People think that Mahabali lives in this temple, which is the centre of the Onam festival.
The start of the celebrations is marked by the raising of the festival flag, which is followed by colourful parades with floats and tableaus that show off Kerala’s rich culture.
During Onam, everyone must wear traditional clothes. Both men and women wear the famous cream and gold Kasavu sarees.
What Are The 10 Days Of Onam In 2023?
So according to this The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, Onam is a big and important festival that is mostly celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala.
It celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali and takes place over ten days.
- Atham
- Chithira
- Chodhi
- Vishakam
- Anizham
- Thriketa
- Moolam
- Pooradam
- Uthradam
- Thiruvonam
Onam lasts for ten days, and during that time there are many traditional rituals, colourful ceremonies, and happy celebrations.
Each day has its own meaning and adds to the grandeur of the festival as a whole. Let’s learn more about the ten days of Onam in 2023.
The Unforgettable Onam Sadya
So considering this The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, The Onam sadya, or feast, is an important part of the holiday.
This nine-course meal is served on banana leaves and includes tasty dishes like banana chips, sharkaraveratti (fried banana chunks covered in jaggery), Pappadam, Avial, Sambhar, Dal, and more.
Payasam is a dessert that tastes like heaven.
During Onam, Hindu homes in Kerala also put up an image of Thrikkakara Appan or Onatthappan, which is Vishnu in the form of Vamana.
This is similar to how Lord Ganesha and Devi Durga idols are respected during other festivals.
Traditional Customs
During Onam, temples all over Kerala are lit up with lamps, and in front of each one, a palmyra tree is set on fire as a sacrifice to show how King Mahabali went to the underworld.
In rural areas, Onappaatt swings are an important part of the party.
Final Words – The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival
So, The Legends Behind Onam 2023 Mythical Stories That Shape The Festival article, we have seen what is Onam, why we celebrate, when we celebrate, 10 days of Onam as well as how it starts.
As Onam 2023 approaches, let us immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of legends and traditions that make this festival a truly enchanting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Onam?
Onam commemorates the return of King Mahabali and the benevolence of Lord Vamana.
How long does Onam last in 2023?
Onam began on August 20, 2023, and will continue until August 31, 2023.
What are the ten days of Onam called?
The ten days are named Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam.
Why did the gods send Vamana to Mahabali?
The gods sent Vamana to curb Mahabali’s growing power and popularity.
What is the Onam sadya?
The Onam sadya is a sumptuous nine-course feast served on banana leaves.
What is the significance of lighting lamps in temples during Onam?
Lighting lamps symbolizes the illumination of temples and King Mahabali’s journey to the underworld.
Why is Thrikkakara temple important during Onam?
Thrikkakara temple is considered the epicenter of Onam, as it is believed to be the residence of Mahabali.
What traditional attire do people wear during Onam?
People wear traditional cream and gold Kasavu sarees during Onam.
What is the importance of the palmyra tree in Onam celebrations?
The palmyra tree symbolizes King Mahabali’s sacrifice and journey to the underworld.
What are Onappaatt swings?
Onappaatt swings are traditional swings that are a cherished part of Onam celebrations in rural areas.
