Onam story in english: Onam is a vibrant 10-day festival that commemorates the annual visit of King Mahabali to his beloved people. This auspicious occasion is a time of great joy and celebration for all Malayalees, who warmly welcome their king.
Onam story in english - The Legend of King Mahabali
According to popular legend, Mahabali, the beloved mythical king of Kerala, visits his people on the day of Thiruvonam each year after rising from the netherworld.
Mahabali, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, was the son of Virochan and the grandson of Prahalad. Known for his righteousness and generosity, Mahabali treated all his subjects with equality.
His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and justice, with no poverty, crime, or cruelty.
Though Mahabali was a demon king, his rule brought unparalleled glory to the land, and his people adored him.
However, his growing fame alarmed the Devas (Gods), who feared losing their power. They turned to Lord Vishnu for help in curbing Mahabali’s influence.
Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar
In response, Lord Vishnu took on the form of Vamana, a Brahmin boy, and visited Mahabali while he was performing a yagna (sacrifice) to seek divine blessings.
The king, seeing the young Brahmin, asked him what he wished for. Vamana requested just enough land to cover three steps. Mahabali generously granted this wish, unaware of Vamana's true identity.
Vamana then grew to an enormous size, covering the entire universe with his first two steps.
Realizing it was Lord Vishnu in disguise, Mahabali bowed and offered his head for the third step.
Impressed by the king's devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him and sent him to the netherworld (Pathala). However, Vishnu granted Mahabali permission to visit his people once a year.
The place where this event is said to have happened is known as Thrikkakara.
The Connection to Onam
This legend is believed to have occurred under the Thiruvonam star during the Malayalam month of Chingam. Every year, during the 10-day Onam festival, the people of Kerala eagerly await the return of their beloved king. The story of Mahabali’s selfless sacrifice is immortalized in the popular Onam folk song, "Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam."
Other Folklore Associated with Onam
While the story of Mahabali is the most well-known tale linked to Onam, there are other legends as well. The Kerala Mahatmyam, which is part of the Brahmandapurana, references Onam. The festival is also mentioned in ancient Tamil works like Pathupattu and Madurai Kanji by Mangudi Maruthanar. Another myth connects the warrior sage Parashuram to the origins of Onam.
Through these rich legends and traditions, Onam continues to be celebrated as a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural pride in Kerala.
Read about festival dates here - Onam
About Onam festival
- As a harvest festival, Onam symbolizes abundance and prosperity, reflected in the intricate and colorful pookalam (flower designs) that adorn homes.
- The festivities are a nostalgic reminder of a glorious past, with women resplendent in gold ornaments and new clothes, adding to the splendor.
- The grand Onam celebrations feature a sumptuous sadya (feast), followed by traditional performances like kaikottikali (graceful dance), Tumbi tullal, kummatikali, and Puli Kali.
- At its core, Onam honors the triumphant return of the great King Maha Bali from Patala Loka, filling hearts with joy and nostalgia.
