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Cosmopolitan in spirit
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The origins of Onam are wreathed in mystery. According to the Sreemad Bhagavata Mahapurana, Kerala has no connection with Vamana and Mahabali, writes ASWATHI TIRUNAL GOURI LAKSHMI BAYI.
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THE MALAYALI is possessive about Onam. The festival has faithfully accompanied him across the globe.
Once a religious and harvest festival, Onam has now acquired a cosmopolitan spirit.
The origins of the festival are a mystery. According to the Sreemad
Bhagavata Mahapurana, Kerala has no connection with Vamana and Mahabali, mythological figures to whom Onam is linked.
Over the years, the character of this festival has changed. Onakkodi and Onasadya have lost their charm. Onam games such as Onappanthukali are a rarity these days, thanks to our shrinking yards and vanishing grounds. A lucky few still manage to `swing along' with the festival and to lay the athapoo (flower carpets).
Onam has moved outdoors in a big way. The Government-sponsored festivities provide an opportunity to watch folk art performances.
Colourful tableaux featuring the tale of Mahabali and Vamana are presented. Still, the tendency to present King Mahabali as a comical figure is objectionable.
At the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the Thirunaal (birthday) of the presiding deity falls on Thiruvonam day. The Athachamayam at Thripunithura too coincides with Onam. At the Thirunakkara Sree Maha Vishnu Temple at Edappally, one of the 108 thiruppathies or great Vishnu temples in India, the deity, according to belief, is Vamana.
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