Festival

What is Onam? (Explained)

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Are you curious about Kerala’s most vibrant festival, which transforms entire communities into celebration zones? With Onam approaching this September, it’s time to understand this magnificent harvest festival.

What is Onam might seem like a simple question, but this celebration encompasses rich traditions.

Milkbasket ensures you never miss festive preparations with our online milk delivery services. Let’s explore why millions celebrate this golden festival with such enthusiasm and joy.

What is the story behind Onam?

Onam becomes clear when you witness Kerala’s transformation during this ten-day celebration. Onam marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala prosperously.

According to mythology, Mahabali was so beloved that even after his exile, he returned annually.

The story behind Onam traces back to this benevolent king’s reign, when prosperity flourished. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, permitted Mahabali to visit his people yearly. This divine blessing forms the spiritual foundation of why Onam remains significant today.

Who invented Onam?

The festival wasn’t invented by any single person but evolved through centuries of tradition. Ancient texts and folklore shaped Onam into Kerala’s most important cultural celebration gradually.

Onam represents the collective memory passed down through generations of Malayali communities.

While rooted in Hindu mythology, Onam transcends religious boundaries completely and welcomes everyone. The festival celebrates universal values of prosperity, equality, and community bonding that appeal universally.

Christians, Muslims, and people from all backgrounds participate enthusiastically in Onam festivities together.

Which God is Onam?

Onam primarily honours King Mahabali, though Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar plays a crucial role. The festival isn’t exclusively for Malayalis, though they are its primary celebrants worldwide.

It teaches us about cultural inclusion as non-Malayalis increasingly join celebrations.

The festival showcases Kerala’s cultural richness through intricate flower carpets called Pookalam and dances. Families create elaborate designs using fresh flowers, competing for the most beautiful arrangements.

The famous Onam Sadhya feast features 26-28 dishes served on banana leaves ceremoniously.

Is Onam only for Malayalis?

Onam’s deeper significance lies in promoting unity, prosperity, and cultural preservation. Modern celebrations blend traditional elements with contemporary festivities, keeping culture alive for generations.

The festival reminds everyone that prosperity should be shared equally among people.

What is Onam without the values of sharing and community bonding it represents? It reinforces the importance of maintaining cultural roots while embracing progress and inclusivity. 

The celebration continues inspiring people to build harmonious communities based on mutual respect.

Celebrate Onam with Milkbasket

Planning your Onam celebration becomes effortless with Milkbasket’s comprehensive grocery shopping delivery services. Our platform offers 10,000+ items from fresh vegetables to traditional spices for preparation.

Buy groceries online through our app and add items until midnight for convenience.

Experience online food shopping that delivers silently to your doorstep by 7 AM. Milkbasket understands festive needs, ensuring you never run out of essential ingredients. Deliver groceries seamlessly while you focus on creating beautiful Pookalam and preparing Sadhya.

Download our Milkbasket app today and make your Onam celebration truly memorable and stress-free!

Author

  • Sagarika Biswas brings more than 5 years of content writing expertise, blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful narratives across digital platforms.

Sagarika Biswas

Sagarika Biswas brings more than 5 years of content writing expertise, blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful narratives across digital platforms.

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