Onam is the most popular festival in Kerala and is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is believed to be the National festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated each year in the month of August-September which according to the Malayalam calendar is the first month of the year called Chingam. The festivities of the Onam last for ten days in which old and young participate with equal enthusiasm.
The word Onam is believed to have been originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which in Sanskrit refers to one of the 27 Nakshatras or constellations. Thiru in South India is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu and Thiruvonam is believed to be the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the great King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.
The festival of Onam is dedicated to King Mahabali. It is said that Kerala never witnessed a better time than it witnessed during the rule of King Mahabali. He was the justest king ever. None of the needy ever returned empty-handed from his door. The myth of King Mahabali says that the king sacrificed himself along with everything else he had in order to stand true to his words. Thus, as a reward for his sacrifice, he was blessed to be remembered by the people of Kerala and all his followers for eternity in the form of Onam festival.
Onam celebrations at school- The geckos at the Gaudium school celebrated Onam on Monday, 9th September. They first heard the story of King Mahabali and his annual visits to the state. This was followed by a group song related to the reign of Mahabali sung in Malayalam. Finally, the teachers, dressed in traditional sarees, performed thiruvathira kalli to demonstrate the joy and spirit of togetherness that the festival brings out. A beautiful and colourful flower rangoli, Pookkalam donned the amphitheatre! The students and staff enjoyed a special lunch on this occasion!
Some highlights:
Leave A Comment