Essay on Onam in English (500 Words)- India is made up of 29 states, and each one has its own special festival. Similarly, the festival of Onam is celebrated with great pomp in South India, especially in Kerala. Onam is celebrated to mark the good yield of crops in the fields and promotes the message of harmony and brotherhood in society.
Every year, the Onam festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala. Onam is a major festival in Kerala and is considered a state festival. The festival is celebrated annually in September to welcome King Mahabali, and it lasts for ten days. The festival begins in Trikkakara, home to the only Vamana temple in Kerala.
Importance of Onam
There is a mythological belief behind the celebration of Onam. It is said that there was an Asura king named Mahabali in Kerala, and the Onam festival is celebrated in his honor. Onam is deeply connected with agriculture and farmers. During the festival, farmers worship Shravan Devta and Pushpa Devi for the protection of their crops and good yields. The joy of harvesting the crops brings hope and confidence to the people.
How to Celebrate the Festival of Onam?
During Onam, beautiful rangolis, known as Pookalam, are created in the courtyards of homes using flower petals. Girls dance with joy in circles around these rangolis. Initially, the Pookalam is small, but with each passing day, one more circle of flowers is added, making it larger. By the tenth day, the Pookalam becomes a large, intricate design. Trikkakarappan (Vishnu in his Vamana avatar), King Mahabali, and his bodyguards are placed in the center of the Pookalam, which is made from raw clay.
Ten Days of Onam:
In Kerala, the Onam festival is celebrated for ten days. The first and tenth days are the most important.
- First Day: King Mahabali prepares to return to Kerala from Hades. Preparations for the Onam festival begin on this day.
- Second Day (Chithira): The flower Pookalam is started, and a Pookalam-making competition is held.
- Third Day (Chodhi): Four to five types of flowers are added to the Pookalam.
- Fourth Day (Visakam): Many types of competitions begin.
- Fifth Day (Anizham): Preparations for the famous boat race are made.
- Sixth Day (Thriketa): The holidays officially begin.
- Seventh Day (Moolam): Special worship is performed in temples.
- Eighth Day (Full Moon): The idols of Mahabali and Vamana are installed in homes.
- Ninth Day (Uthradom): Mahabali enters the state of Kerala.
- Tenth Day (Thiruvonam): The main Onam festival is celebrated.
Special Dishes on Onam
A traditional feast is organized during the Onam festival, where, in addition to sweet delicacies, nine special dishes are prepared. These include Pachadi, Kallam, Ollam, Dao, Ghee, Sambar, Banana, and Papad chips. These dishes are traditionally served on banana leaves. People wish their friends, relatives, and family members well during this festival.
Conclusion
During the Onam festival, homes and Kerala itself are decorated beautifully, resembling a bride. The prosperity of Kerala is showcased through the celebrations of Onam. On this day, people enjoy folk dances, sports, snake boat races, songs, and delicious food. Additionally, people donate generously to the poor. The festival of Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
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