Onam is observed during the Hindu solar month of Simha (Chingam) on the day of the Shravana Nakshatra and marks the end of 10 days of festivities. Onam is celebrated in parts of Tamil-speaking regions, but most significantly in Kerala where it is one of the most important festivals. In addition to marking the harvest, Onam is regarded as the New Year by some Malayali communities and most significantly honours the Asura king Bali who is connected to the Vishnu’s Vamana incarnation.
During the 10 days of Onam, special pujas are held across temples in Kerala. The state is unique in having several temples dedicated to the Vamana avatar of Vishnu. Houses are decorated with lamps and rangolis made from flowers. A range of cultural and recreational events such as boat races, folk dances and processions take place. The most iconic feature of Onam is the ‘Sadya’; a vegetarian feast of up to 28 dishes served on a banana leaf.
About the image: Thrikkakara Temple, located in Kochi, is one of several temples in the state dedicated to Vishnu’s Vamana avatar. In modern Kerala, Onam is being appropriated and projected as a secular festival with some radical Christians even suggesting King Mahabali was Christian. Kerala has a large non-Hindu population who participate in Onam who are continuing a festival once marked by their Hindu ancestors, and not because Onam is secular. The presence of several Vamana temples in Kerala reinforces the Hindu roots of Onam and the unique connection this part of Bharat has with this deity.
Image credit: Ganesh Mohan T, CC BY-SA 4.0