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Onamvann… Onamvann… Onamvanne…
Rohini Mathew | Instructional Designer & Content Writer
It’s that time of the year when Malayalis all over the world are getting all worked up (in a good way) to welcome their beloved King Mahabali, back from pathaalam (netherworld). While neither the king, an onam ditty, nor an onam sadhya is ever far from the minds of a Malayali (or honorary Malayalis), now is the time to get all official about it.
So, Malayalis are planning intricate pookkalam designs, wondering whether to decorate their doorways on all 10 days or just on Thiruvonam, the main day. They’re eager for the lavish Onam sadhya, with its 20 to 30 mouthwatering delicacies. Many will browse online or call family for traditional recipes, while others simply order a readymade sadhya. Somehow or other, a sadhya will be had!
Then there’s the Onakkodi (festive attire), which needs to be just right. Women don the ever-elegant Kerala Saree, with its off-white or cream body and striking gold or kasavu (zari) border. While the Kerala saree has evolved with the times, the authentic handloom versions from heritage weaving centres in Balaramapuram, Kuthampully, and Chendamangalam remain treasured keepsakes. Men match the look with an off-white or cream kasavu mundu (dhoti), paired with a shirt or short kurta. While traditional shirts are cotton, linen shirts are increasingly popular for their stylish look and suitability to hot, humid weather.. And decked up you better be, because Onam, the annual homecoming of the benevolent King Mahabali, is one of Kerala’s grandest festivals, celebrated with pomp and splendour across the state.
Everyone knows the lore: Mahabali’s kingdom was so prosperous and free of hardship that people no longer felt the need to pray to the Gods. Jealous, the Gods appealed to Lord Vishnu, who appeared as the Brahmin boy Vamana and asked Mahabali for three paces of land. When the king agreed, Vamana grew into a cosmic form, covering the earth and heavens in two steps. With nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Lord Vishnu placed his foot upon it and sent Mahabali to the underworld. Impressed by Mahabali’s humility and devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him one boon: to return and visit his beloved people once every year.
So, get dressed in your best kasavu saree, or linen shirt and mundu, and head out for the traditional festivities in your neighbourhood. The King is here, and we need to show him that all is still good with his land and his people.
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