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| Fairs
& Festivals > Onam Festival |
| Location
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Kerela |
| State
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Kerela |
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Onam
&onam rituals :Legend of Kerala is about the
sweet memories of a period of peace and prosperity in the
distant pas when Mahabali, a celebrated emperor of the Asuras,
was supposed to be ruling over this land. His period is
believed a have been the golden age in the history of the
country. A popular folk song narrates the glories of that
period. When Maveli ruled, all men were equal, they were
leading a life of happiness and nobody had any calamity-
thus goes the song. There was neither dishonesty nor deception,
nor was there any instance of false utterance, use of counterfeit
measures or other kinds of unfair practice. Perfect harmony,
communal and otherwise, prevailed. In short it was an ideal
welfare state, the legend tells us.
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this golden age came to a tragic close when Mahabali
was expelled from his kingdom by Vamana, the dwarf
incarnation of Vishnu. Thus by the designs of the
jealous Gods, the glorious reign of the Asura emperor
came to an end. But his greateful subjects, request
that their former ruler might be permitted to visit
the lance once a year, was granted. The time for his
annual visit was in the first Malayalam month Chingom
(August-September) and this occasion became one of
jubilation throughout the land, reminiscent of the
prosperous times of Mahabali. |
| The
Tradition |
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Keralites celebrate Onam in commemoration
of the social justice and prosperity during the rule
of King Maha Bali. Whatever may be the truth behind
the legends, Keralites are a lucky lot to have such
a secular feast, at least once a year. Each one’s
reminiscences of the ambience, the festive spirit
and the excitement evoke images of a way of life,
lost in the frantic pace of modern life. However,
despite changes brought about in contents and preparation,
the Onasadya still holds the place of pride in Onam
celebrations.
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