Introduction
Onam, the vibrant
and colourful festival of Kerala, India, is a celebration that transcends
religious and cultural boundaries. This grand and elaborate festival holds a
special place in the hearts of Malayalee, the people of Kerala. It is a time
for merriment, unity, feasting, and paying homage to the legendary King
Mahabali. In this blog, we will delve into the origin, significance, and
various aspects of Onam, from its celebration to the delectable dishes that
grace the festive table.
Origin of Onam
Onam's roots can be
traced back to ancient times, with legends and historical events intertwining
to create this magnificent celebration. The festival is closely associated with
the mythological King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who once governed Kerala. It
is believed that during his reign, the state enjoyed unparalleled prosperity
and happiness.
One of the most
popular legends related to Onam is the story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu mythology, King Mahabali was a devout and generous ruler who
earned the favour of Lord Vishnu. However, his growing power and benevolence
began to concern the gods, particularly Indra, the king of the gods. In
response to this, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana
and approached Mahabali for a boon.
King Mahabali, true
to his word, granted Vamana's request, not knowing that he was Lord Vishnu in
disguise. Vamana asked for three paces of land, which he measured in three
giant strides. In his final step, he pushed Mahabali into the netherworld but,
recognizing the king's virtuous nature, granted him a boon to visit his kingdom
once a year. This annual visit is celebrated as Onam.
Significance of Onam
Onam carries
profound cultural and social significance for the people of Kerala. It serves as
a symbol of unity, harvest, and prosperity. The festival is not limited to any
particular religious or caste group, making it a testament to Kerala's communal
harmony. Here are some of the key aspects that make Onam so significant:
Harvest Festival:
Onam marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest
season in Kerala. It is a time when farmers reap the rewards of their hard work
and offer gratitude to nature for its bounty.
Cultural Unity:
Onam transcends religious and cultural boundaries. People of all backgrounds
come together to celebrate, reinforcing the unity and diversity of Kerala.
Homage to King
Mahabali: The festival pays tribute to the benevolent King Mahabali, whose rule
is remembered as a golden era in the state's history.
Feasting and
Merriment: Onam is a time for feasting and merriment. The grand feast, known as
the Onam Sadya, is a highlight of the celebration.
How and Where is Onam Celebrated?
Onam is celebrated
with great enthusiasm and zeal throughout Kerala. The festival typically spans
ten days, with each day having its significance and customs. Let's explore the
various aspects of the Onam celebration:
1. Atham: Onam
begins on the day of Atham and is marked by the ritualistic arrangement of clay
figures called 'Pookalam' in front of homes. These intricate floral designs are
created using various colourful flowers and petals.
2. Chithira: On the
second day, Chithira, people intensify their Pookalam designs and start
cleaning and decorating their homes. A sense of excitement and anticipation
fills the air.
3. Chodhi: The next
day, Chodhi, sees an even more elaborate Pookalam design, and the atmosphere
becomes more festive. The streets and homes are adorned with lamps and
decorations.
4. Vishakam: The
fourth day is Vishakam, and it's marked by the grand beginning of public
celebrations. The traditional dance form, Thiruvathirakali, is performed by
women in traditional attire, adding a cultural touch to the festivities.
5. Anizham: Anizham
is the fifth day, and it is when shopping for new clothes and gifts reaches its
peak. Markets are bustling with shoppers looking for the perfect Onam attire.
6. Thriketa: On the
sixth day, Thriketa, people start preparing for the Onam Sadya, the grand
feast. Women begin to make the various dishes that will be served.
7. Moolam: Moolam
is the seventh day, and it is considered an auspicious time to start preparing
the traditional Onam feast. The final touches are given to Pookalam designs.
8. Pooradam: On the
eighth day, Pooradam, traditional art forms and music performances take centre
stage. Competitions and processions are also organized to celebrate the spirit
of Onam.
9. Uthradam: The
ninth day, Uthradam, is marked by elaborate preparations for the Onam Sadya.
Families start cooking a multitude of dishes to be shared with loved ones.
10. Thiruvonam: The
grand finale is Thiruvonam, the tenth day. The day begins with a special prayer
and ritual offerings. The Onam Sadya is the highlight of the day, with a
sumptuous feast of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. People also
engage in various traditional games and cultural activities.
Onam is not limited
to Kerala alone. Malayalee communities around the world celebrate this festival
with equal fervour. Non-resident Keralites have to reconnect with their roots
and preserve their cultural heritage.
Onam Sadya: The
Feast of Plenty
One of the most
anticipated aspects of Onam is the grand feast known as the Onam Sadya. This lavish
spread consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, each prepared with love and
precision. Let's explore some of the most popular dishes that grace the Onam
Sadya, along with their ingredients, detailed preparation, cooking time, and
nutritional facts:
1. Avial
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (like pumpkin, carrots, beans, drumsticks, and more)
- Grated coconut
- Cumin seeds
- Green chillies
- Curd
- Coconut oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cut the vegetables
into small pieces.
Boil the vegetables
until they are tender.
Grind grated
coconut, cumin seeds, and green chillies into a fine paste.
Mix the ground
paste with curd and add it to the boiled vegetables.
Season with coconut
oil and curry leaves.
Cooking Time: 30
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Avial is a nutritious dish, packed with vitamins and minerals from a variety of
vegetables. The addition of coconut and curd provides healthy fats and
probiotics.
2. Parippu (Dal
Curry)
Ingredients:
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- Turmeric powder
- Red chilli powder
- Coconut oil
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook toor dal with
turmeric and red chilli powder until it's soft and mushy.
Heat coconut oil in
a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
Pour this seasoning
into the cooked dal.
Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Parippu is a good source of protein and fibre from toor dal. The spices add flavour
and health benefits.
3. Sambar
Ingredients:
- Toor dal
- Tamarind paste
- Mixed Vegetables
- Sambar powder
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Red chilli
- Asafoetida
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook toor dal and
add mixed vegetables, tamarind paste, and sambar powder.
In a separate pan,
temper mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chilli, asafoetida, and curry
leaves.
Add the tempering
to the cooked dal and vegetables.
Cooking Time: 30
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Sambar is a nutritious dish packed with the goodness of vegetables and toor
dal. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.
4. Olan
Ingredients:
- White pumpkin
- Red gram (cowpea)
- Coconut milk
- Green chillies
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook white pumpkin
and cowpea in coconut milk with green chillies.
Season with curry
leaves.
Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Olan is a low-calorie dish rich in fibre and vitamins from vegetables and
coconut milk.
5. Pulissery
Ingredients:
- Ripe mangoes
- Yoghurt
- Coconut
- Green chillies
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook ripe mangoes
with coconut, green chillies, and yoghurt.
Season with mustard
seeds, fenugreek seeds, and curry leaves.
Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Pulissery provides a good dose of vitamin C from the mangoes and probiotics
from yoghurt.
6. Thoran
Ingredients:
- Any green leafy vegetable (like spinach or cabbage)
- Grated coconut
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Red chillies
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook the chopped
greens with grated coconut.
Season with mustard
seeds, urad dal, red chillies, and curry leaves.
Cooking Time: 15
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Thoran is a healthy side dish, rich in vitamins and fibre from the greens and
coconut.
7. Pachadi
Ingredients:
- Cucumber
- Curd
- Mustard seeds
- Grated coconut
- Green chillies
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Cook cucumbers in a
mixture of curd, grated coconut, and green chillies.
Season with mustard
seeds and curry leaves.
Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Pachadi is cooling and provides vitamins and probiotics from curd.
8. Rasam
Ingredients:
- Tamarind
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Red chillies
- Curry leaves
Preparation:
Prepare a tamarind
extract and add tomatoes, garlic, and spices.
Season with mustard
seeds, cumin seeds, red chillies, and curry leaves.
Cooking Time: 20
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Rasam is a tangy and spicy soup-like dish, known for its digestive and
immune-boosting properties.
9. Rice and
Parboiled Rice
Ingredients:
Rice
Parboiled rice
Preparation:
Cook rice and
parboiled rice separately until they are fluffy.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Rice is the staple food in Kerala, providing carbohydrates for energy.
10. Ada Pradhaman
(Dessert)
Ingredients:
- Ada (rice flakes)
- Jaggery
- Coconut milk
- Cashews
- Raisins
- Cardamom
Preparation:
Cook Ada and
jaggery in coconut milk.
Garnish with
cashews, raisins, and cardamom.
Cooking Time: 30
minutes
Nutritional Facts:
Ada Pradhaman is a sweet and rich dessert, offering energy from rice and the
goodness of jaggery and coconut milk.
Conclusion
Onam is a festival
that encapsulates the essence of Kerala's culture and traditions. It signifies
the harvest season, pays homage to a virtuous king, and fosters unity among
diverse communities. The Onam Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast, is the highlight
of the celebration, offering a rich tapestry of flavours and nutrition.
As you celebrate
Onam, remember the legend of King Mahabali and the values he represented.
Relish the delectable dishes of the Onam Sadya, and revel in the vibrant
festivities that bring communities together. Onam is not just a festival; it is
a reflection of the rich heritage and unity of the people of Kerala. So,
immerse yourself in the spirit of Onam, and let this colourful festival
brighten your life with joy, unity, and delicious food.
Happy Onam
Comments
Post a Comment