Happy Onam!

Every year, for ten days, Keralites worldwide gather to rejoice at the beginning of the Malayalam new year, called Kolla Varsham. The most festive of these days is Thiruvonam, the last day. Falling between August and September, it is a time when Kerala’s vibrant culture is on full display as citizens wholeheartedly celebrate the new harvest.

According to legend, Onam is celebrated to honor the king Mahabali. He was a just, generous ruler and was extremely popular with his subjects. Jealous of Mahabali's popularity and power, the devas conspired to end his reign with help from the deity Vamana. Vamana decided to take on the form of a dwarf and asked Mahabali for three feet of land, a wish he generously granted. His first two steps took up the entire universe, leaving nowhere to place his third foot. To fulfill Vamana’s wish, Mahabali offered his head to place his third foot on, which resulted in Mahabali being pushed to Patala (the underworld). However, witnessing his generosity, Vamana granted the king's sole wish to visit his land and subjects once every year, and this homecoming of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam.

Numerous events occur during Onam to felicitate Mahabali’s homecoming, including the sadhya, pookalam, Thiruvathira, puli kali, and vallam kali. Sadhya refers to a traditional vegetarian feast featuring 26 to 28 different dishes. Always eaten on a banana leaf, it symbolizes humility and equality. Pookalam is an intricate and colorful flower arrangement that adorns the entrances of every house on the day of Thiruvonam, and is a practice involving the whole family. A unique classical dance, Thiruvathira is performed by women around the Nila Vilakku (traditional wick lamp) to bring harmony to their homes. Puli kali, or the tiger dance, is said to have been introduced by Maharaja Sakthan Thampuran, the then Maharaja of Cochin. It celebrates courage, bravery, and the spirit of battle. Vallam kali is a snake boat race and the core of Onam celebrations. In vallam kali, hundreds of men gather to paddle Chundan Vallam (traditional longboats) and race in the rivers of Kerala. It is a method for Keralites to connect with their roots and preserve the heritage of their land.

Keralites abroad, though separated from their land, still celebrate the festival with zeal and splendor. At TMS, flowers embellished the school entrance, and faculty worked tirelessly on a pookalam in the spirit of Onam. Students partook in the festivities by arranging a delightful video to share their valuable knowledge and auspicious wishes with the school. The Editorial Committee, too, wishes our readers a happy Onam and looks forward to another promising year ahead!