ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ തിരുവോണാശംസകൾ ! - Hearty Onam Wishes

Earlier post: - http://thottappilly.blogspot.com/2008/09/ponnonamthindey-ashamsakal-for-2008.html

If Kerala was formed by Parashuram throwing Mazhu, why and how did Onam celebration start welcoming Mahabhali; who was a contemporary ruler during the time of Vamana born before Parashuram in the 8th Canto of Srimad Bhagvatam/Dhasavatharam?

2 Theories:

1. Vamana submerged the land with Mahabali and Parasurama reclaimed the land.
2. Vamana / Mahabali story happened near Narmada river, The Descendants of Parasurama when they migrated carried the story over to new land reclaimed. According to this version, Thrikkakara temple was consecrated, after a bird sang the story of Mahabali/ Vamana

Here comes another Onam - The biggest festival of the year for every Malayalee. It is a season of festivity, abundance and a reminder of the glorious past of a once perfect kingdom of the legendary King Mahabali. Over the years, like everything else Onam has evolved too.

Floral carpets that once involved the time consuming exercise of kids walking around the neighborhood picking flowers has now been reduced to buying it off the shelf from the market. What once displayed the floral richness of the state, now showcases the skills of the farmers of neighboring states. Onapuudava which was in simple white and gold colors, gave way to fancy clothing. The 'Onasadhya' -the elaborate vegetarian spread which involved hours of prepartion by the entire family from picking the vegetables to chopping, cooking and servicng gave way to pre-booked onasadhyas at restaurants across the state. Pulikkali, thiruvathira, vadamvali where the entire neighborhood got together and had fun gave way to Onam programs across various TV channels in the comfort of living rooms or movies of popular stars releasing in time of Onam. Unjaal - or the swing is very rarely seen these days, so also the morning routine of welcoming the Maveli with Aarpu.

Sometimes one can't help wonder what Onam memories will the current generation of kids have? While the people of my generation who are in the forties and fifties now fondly recollect memories of picking flowers for pookalam, the excitment of receiving a new onapudava or all the fun we had with the outdoor games, the next generation will probably be telling their children about the restaurants that served best Onasadhya in town or the best Onam movie release of their times!!

Times have changed, Onam has evolved. Nevertheless it will continue to hold a special place in the heart of every Keralite for generations to come, even if the land of Kerala is submerged in another flood - Malayalees around the world will continue the celebration - Rather than sticking to the date - People will celebrate as per their convenience and based on school leave/work schedule for 2-3 months, and it could be dinner and not lunch - Thanks to the associations!!

For now - Chingamasathiley Ponnu Pulariyil Onathappane Varvelkan, Abalavridhujanagalum, Orikiirrikuna ee velayil evarkum Pon Onathinde Sarva Ashamsakalum Neerunu.