Onam, Kerala’s most cherished and grand festival, is almost here and will be celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. But at its heart lies the powerful story of King Mahabali and Onam, a legend that celebrates the annual homecoming of a beloved king from the netherworld. This tale of a golden era, a divine test, and an eternal promise is the very soul of the festival, shaping every tradition and reminding the world of the virtues of a just and humble ruler.
Onam in 2025 will begin on 05 September and culminate with Thiruvonam on 14 September.
The Story Behind Onam
The origin of Onam is steeped in mythology, particularly revolving around the legendary King Mahabali. Despite being an asura (demon) king, Mahabali was deeply loved by his people for his just and benevolent rule. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, equality, and contentment. There was no poverty, corruption, or discrimination—everyone lived in harmony. This era is remembered as Kerala’s golden age.
According to legend, Mahabali’s growing influence and power made the gods uneasy, as he had conquered all three worlds. In response, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to curb Mahabali’s dominance without bloodshed. Vamana approached the generous king and asked for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed, not knowing that the Brahmin was divine.
Vamana then grew to a cosmic size: with his first step, he covered the Earth; with the second, he covered the skies. Having nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali humbly offered his head, upon which Vamana placed his foot and pushed him to Patala (the netherworld). However, impressed by Mahabali’s humility and devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon—to return once every year to visit his people. Onam commemorates this annual homecoming.
The Ten Days of Onam: A Royal Welcome
The celebration of Mahabali's return is not a single-day event but a ten-day-long preparation to welcome him. The festival officially begins on the Atham day, when the first layer of the Pookalam is laid. Each subsequent day, a new layer of flowers is added, making the floral carpet grow in size and complexity. This symbolizes the growing anticipation and grandeur of the preparations for the king's arrival on the final and most important day, Thiru-Onam.
Onam: Celebrating Kerala’s Culture and Values
Onam is a vibrant festival that embodies the virtues King Mahabali stood for—righteousness, humility, unity, and generosity. It’s a time when communities come together, transcending barriers of caste, religion, or social class, to celebrate the spirit of equality and shared heritage.
The festival is marked by:
Pookalam (intricate floral carpets): These intricate carpets are not just decorations; they are laid at the entrance of homes as a beautiful, fragrant welcome mat for King Mahabali's spirit.
Onam Sadhya (The Grand Feast): This elaborate vegetarian feast, featuring over 20 dishes served on a banana leaf, symbolizes the prosperity and abundance of Mahabali's kingdom. It is a communal meal where everyone eats together, representing the equality and harmony of his reign.
Onakkodi (New Clothes): The tradition of wearing new clothes signifies a fresh start and the shared prosperity of the people, ensuring that no one feels poor or left out during the king's visit.
Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Races): The thrilling boat races evoke the pageantry and martial spirit of ancient Kerala, celebrating the community's unity and strength, hallmarks of the society Mahabali governed.
These customs are not just celebrations but tributes to Mahabali’s rule, an ideal society that people aspire to recreate.
The Relevance of King Mahabali Today
King Mahabali’s legacy holds profound meaning even in today’s world. His selflessness, compassion, and belief in justice and equality mirror the very ideals modern society strives to uphold. Onam is more than a cultural festival, it’s a reminder of the values that matter most in a world increasingly driven by power and materialism.
Despite being a powerful ruler, Mahabali remained grounded. He willingly gave up everything—including his throne and life—out of devotion and humility. This act of surrender continues to inspire generations to prioritize humanity over ego, service over self-interest, and principles over power.
Why is an Asura King Worshiped?
One of the most unique aspects of the story of King Mahabali and Onam is that it celebrates an asura (demon) king, who are typically seen as antagonists. However, Mahabali's tale transcends this simple binary. He is honored not for his lineage but for his virtues: his rule was so just and his devotion so pure that he earned the respect of the gods and the eternal love of his people. This story highlights a profound philosophical idea that righteousness and nobility are defined by actions, not by birth.
A Celebration Beyond Borders
As the festival draws near, Malayalis around the world whether in other Indian states or abroad prepare to celebrate Onam with fervour. It’s a time to reconnect with one’s roots, family, and traditions. Onam is not just a homecoming for King Mahabali but also a symbolic return to values that unite people.
So as families come together to create pookalams, cook the grand Sadhya, and tell the story of Mahabali, they are not just keeping a tradition alive; they are celebrating a timeless tale of love, justice, and humility.
Happy Onam! May the spirit of King Mahabali continue to guide us all toward a kinder, more inclusive world
