Visakhapatnam, September 16, 2013: Women in Kerala set-sari made a beeline with the arati-plate containing rice, flowers and a coconut lamp as one of the Keralites dressed as the legendary king ‘Mahabali’ entered the venue waving, greeting and blessing his people.

The whiff of assorted flowers spread as ‘pookkalam’ at the entrance, a set of musicians playing the traditional ‘nadaswaram’, a few holding the Kerala-umbrella for ‘Mahabali’ while the Malayalis shouted in praise of the Asura king offered a perfect setting for the Malayalis who came together to celebrate ‘Thiruvonam’ a day ahead of Onam at Kerala Kala Samithi here on Sunday. The harvest festival of God’s Own Country came alive amidst thousands of Malayalis swarming the venue to witness the day-long event .

In Kerala, the celebrations continue for 10 days, which is usually referred to as ‘Atham-Patham’. “Atham is the star of the Chingam month where our Onam celebration begins. The 10-day festival will conclude on ‘Thiruvonam’, which is considered to be the most auspicious star according to the Malayalam calendar,” explained K.K. Madhu, a Malayali. Welcoming the Asura king to the place, praying lord Vishnu, performing cultural events and feasting form part of the festivities. According to the community, centuries ago, the Devas felt jealous of the growing popularity of the Asura King Bali, a Vishnu devotee, who was ruling Kerala. Challenged by his growing reputation and his dominating nature, the Devas along with Lord Vishnu plotted to ruin Mahabali. It was said that Lord Vishnu, in the incarnation of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin), told Mahabali that he was a sadhu and that he needed area comprising three steps as alms to perform a ‘yagna’. The king granted the wish immediately. Then Vamana increased his stature and covered the entire sky with his first step and the earth with his second measure. He then asked the king to show the third place to measure. Mahabali bowed and offered his head as Vamana’s third foot. The Asura king was then pushed to the underworld for good but was allowed to visit his people once a year. Thus Onam came into existence .

At the samithi, the celebration was followed by ‘Onam-sadya’ . Among others, actors ‘Bheeman’ Raghu and ‘Spatikam’ George, president of the samithi N.M. Pillai, treasurer Ch. Mohan Das, and member Tulasi Ram participated .

Source: The Hindu, September 16, 2013