There is a story behind every festival that we
celebrate. Let us find out the story behind Onam!!!
It all started long long ago. A demon named Mahabali
ruled Kerala. He was a wise, kind and judicious ruler and loved by his
subjects. It is said that there was perfect equality, peace and happiness
in his kingdom. Soon Mahabali's fame began to spread and when he extended
his rule to the heavens, the Gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing
powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of the
Devas, pleaded Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali's powers. Lord Vishnu
transformed himself into a dwarf called “Vamana” and approached Mahabali while
he was performing a Yajna and asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf brahmin's
wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish.
Vamana asked for a simple gift, “the amount of land he
could measure in three paces” and the king agreed to it. Lord Vishnu in the
guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the
sky blotting out the stars, with the second step covered the netherworld. Realizing
that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as
the last step.
Lord Vishnu's third step pushed him to the
netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld Lord Vishnu, moved by
his integrity and humility, granted him a boon. Since Mahabali was attached to
his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from exile.
Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of
King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to
the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects. Onam is
celebrated by wearing new clothes and resolving to lead a new life of truth,
piety, love, and humility. It is an occasion for joy, compassion,
gift-giving and solidarity, and embodies Kerala's cultural unity and pluralism.
A Very Happy Onam to all !!
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