The story behind the Onam festival is woven around the popular myth of the truthful and benevolent King Mahabali, affectionately called Maveli, who once ruled the land. Belonging to the Asura (demon) dynasty, he was the grandson of Prahlada and an ardent worshipper of Lord Vishnu (the Preserver in the Hindu trinity). Under his reign, people led a happy life in equality, peace and plenty, devoid of theft and deceit.
Jealous Devas
Mahabali’s fame as a judicious ruler began to spread far and wide. His rule even extended to the heavens and the pathala (netherworld), which made the Devas (gods) jealous and concerned. The Devas requested Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali’s powers.
Lord Vishnu, in his incarnation as a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana, approached the generous king while he was performing a yagna and asked for alms. Being kind and generous, Mahabali granted the Brahmin boy a wish.
Mahabali’s guru (preceptor) Sukracharya warned the king against granting the wish as he realised that Vamana was no ordinary person. But Mahabali was adamant in keeping his word since he believed that there is no greater sin than going back on one’s promise.
Vamana’s trick
Vamana’s request was simple — three paces of land — and the king agreed to it. Assuming his real form, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then expanded his stature and scaled the entire universe in two steps. To keep his word, the noble king offered his head for Vamana to place his third step and with that step Vamana ousted Mahabali to the netherworld.
Since the king was so attached to his kingdom and subjects, Lord Vishnu granted him permission to visit once a year. Thiruvonam is considered to be the day when King Mahabali comes from exile to visit his beloved people.
Onam falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), the harvest month that marks the end of a lean period after the heavy monsoon in the state. Onam is thus the state’s harvest festival as well as a celebration in memory of a bygone golden era for Keralites.
The festival is celebrated with equal fervour irrespective of class or creed.
