Onam is the most important and awaited festival of Kerala where the traditional aspects of the state unravels in fullest measure. Apart from being the harvest festival, ushering in a mood of celebration, it commemorates the golden reign of King Mahabali, the benevolent king of the Keralites.
The Vamana Avatara of Lord Mahavishnu is associated with the Onam festival of Kerala. As per a version of the legend, Indra and the Gods who ruled the heavens were in fear of King Bali's unparalled golden reign in Kerala. Hence they sought the aid of Mahavishnu who took the form of a Vamana (dwarf) and requested three steps of land from Bali. King Bali, extremely benevolent in nature,immediately agreed to materialise the need of the Vamana despite the dissuasion of his Guru Sukracharya. Immediately the Vamana (Mahavishnu) assumed a gigantic form and crossed over the heaven, the earth and the other worlds in just two steps. In order to keep up the promise, King Bali offered himself to the Vamana who pressed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him into the nether world at his third step.
The same legend is attributed to King Bali in another version. It is said that King Bali's pride owing to his glorious rule was checked by Lord Mahavishnu, by sending him to the nether world. Thus it is highlighted that pride arising out of virtuous deeds will also have to be shunned.
However the Lord being pleased with Bali's adherence to keeping up his word, allowed him to visit his land once a year. Hence Onam is the festival celebrated to welcome their benevolent King Bali by the Malayalees.
Onam Festivities
Feast and festivities are a part of Onam.'Thiruvonam' falls in the month of August/September every year. Onam is celebrated for ten days. The cultural and traditional aspects of Kerala is joyfully and colourfully represented in the celebrations associated with it. Pookalam, the multicoloured flower arrangements, Vallamkali, the snake boat race , the procession of caprisoned elephants and various dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, Kaduvakali, Kathakali etc are some of the important events that take place every year. The traditional Onam Sadhya, an array of delicious native Kerala dishes, spread on the banana leaf to be savoured is an integral and important part of the celebration.
The Symbolism in Onam
The story of King Mahabali highlights the element of self surrender. It represents the principle of Advaita Vedanta or Non-duality which is attained at the end of spiritual surrender. The gesture of king Bali surrendering himself to the Lord represents total surrender. The Lord placing his feet on the head of King Bali is symbolic of crushing the ego or banishing the non self which is the ultimate end of all spiritual endeavours resulting in spiritual enlightenment. The Lord Himself calls the King, 'Mahabali', 'Maha' meaning 'Mighty' and 'Bali' meaning 'Sacrifice'. Effortless sacrifice is one with surrender which brings forth enlightenment or oneness. Once when the ego is crushed, all that remains is pure bliss. The celebration of Onam thus marks the celebration of oneness with the supreme which results in ualloyed joy or bliss.
May we thus understand the significance of Onam and enjoy the celebrations comprehending its underlying essence.
Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/onam-significance-mahabali-legend-kerala-230810.html
The Vamana Avatara of Lord Mahavishnu is associated with the Onam festival of Kerala. As per a version of the legend, Indra and the Gods who ruled the heavens were in fear of King Bali's unparalled golden reign in Kerala. Hence they sought the aid of Mahavishnu who took the form of a Vamana (dwarf) and requested three steps of land from Bali. King Bali, extremely benevolent in nature,immediately agreed to materialise the need of the Vamana despite the dissuasion of his Guru Sukracharya. Immediately the Vamana (Mahavishnu) assumed a gigantic form and crossed over the heaven, the earth and the other worlds in just two steps. In order to keep up the promise, King Bali offered himself to the Vamana who pressed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him into the nether world at his third step.
The same legend is attributed to King Bali in another version. It is said that King Bali's pride owing to his glorious rule was checked by Lord Mahavishnu, by sending him to the nether world. Thus it is highlighted that pride arising out of virtuous deeds will also have to be shunned.
However the Lord being pleased with Bali's adherence to keeping up his word, allowed him to visit his land once a year. Hence Onam is the festival celebrated to welcome their benevolent King Bali by the Malayalees.
Onam Festivities
Feast and festivities are a part of Onam.'Thiruvonam' falls in the month of August/September every year. Onam is celebrated for ten days. The cultural and traditional aspects of Kerala is joyfully and colourfully represented in the celebrations associated with it. Pookalam, the multicoloured flower arrangements, Vallamkali, the snake boat race , the procession of caprisoned elephants and various dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, Kaduvakali, Kathakali etc are some of the important events that take place every year. The traditional Onam Sadhya, an array of delicious native Kerala dishes, spread on the banana leaf to be savoured is an integral and important part of the celebration.
The Symbolism in Onam
The story of King Mahabali highlights the element of self surrender. It represents the principle of Advaita Vedanta or Non-duality which is attained at the end of spiritual surrender. The gesture of king Bali surrendering himself to the Lord represents total surrender. The Lord placing his feet on the head of King Bali is symbolic of crushing the ego or banishing the non self which is the ultimate end of all spiritual endeavours resulting in spiritual enlightenment. The Lord Himself calls the King, 'Mahabali', 'Maha' meaning 'Mighty' and 'Bali' meaning 'Sacrifice'. Effortless sacrifice is one with surrender which brings forth enlightenment or oneness. Once when the ego is crushed, all that remains is pure bliss. The celebration of Onam thus marks the celebration of oneness with the supreme which results in ualloyed joy or bliss.
May we thus understand the significance of Onam and enjoy the celebrations comprehending its underlying essence.
Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/onam-significance-mahabali-legend-kerala-230810.html
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