From the Editor's Desk: History and Significance of Onam Traditions The editorial talks about Celebration and Significance of Onam Festival Colourful parades, Pookalam, exclusive dishes, sports competitions, welcome songs, boat races, regional and classical dance, and crowded streets of Kerala and nearby states are all about celebrating joy, happiness, tradition, and culture of the biggest regional festival celebration ‘Onam’. Onam marks the harvest season’s arrival and the monsoon’s last. It is celebrated in Chingam; the first month of the Malayalam calendar also signifies the new year of “God’s own state,” Kerala. Onam is celebrated for 10- days, usually in August and September, also known as the festival of rain flowers. In 2022, Onam festival will be celebrated from 31 August to 9 September. People across the country visit Kerala during the Onam celebration to witness the Keralan Culture and admire the state’s beauty. If you are a person who admires the diversity of India and is interested in exploring the diversified culture of this vast nation, read further to know all about the Onam festival. History of Onam Festival Celebration: Onam celebration is a Hindu festival associated with a mythological story of the Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu and Asura King Mahabali. People believes that the king of ancient Kerala, Mahabali defeated the Gods and started ruling all three worlds. Kerala witnessed the golden era during the time of the king. However, Gods were insecure due to the popularity of Mahabali and, in fear, asked Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu turned into a short Brahaman (Vaman) and asked the ruler for three steps of land. Mahabali accepted the proposal. Vaman’s avatar of Vishnu turned big and measured the whole three worlds in 2 steps. There was no space for God to put his leg to complete the 3rd step. Mahabali surrendered himself in front of Vishnu to put his leg. The king went to the lower world when God put his leg. But at the same time, the king won the heart of Lord Vishnu. The Lord granted a wish to the king that he could come to visit his land each year. Onam is the celebration of the homecoming of brave and generous king Mahabali. Significance of Onam Traditions: Onam significantly brings back Keralites to their home and spreads the message of unity and prosperity across the world. Moreover, the great Onam festival holds more cultural values than a religious one. The Hindu and non-Hindu communities join hands, leaving their caste and religion behind to celebrate the Onam with great zeal. The 10-day harvest festival filled with great festive activity is a s vat i r S a r top-notch to understand the Keralan culture and celebrate the festival that di unites people, values sacrifices, recognizes various art forms, and believes in In giving. Onam is a great Indian festival that one should experience whether they Editor | A TO Z INDIA belong to this southern state or not. [email protected] +91-7550160116 A TO Z INDIA SEPTEMBER 2022 PAGE 4