Onam 2023: Happy homecoming of King Mahabali

Onam 2023 will be celebrated on August 29, 2023.

It is a significant festival celebrated in Kerala, India, and marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is a harvest festival celebrated with enthusiasm by all Malayalis and Keralites. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was a generous and prosperous ruler who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu. However, Vishnu granted him the opportunity to visit Kerala once a year.

How did Onam originate?

Mahabali is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. Mahabali is described in early Hindu texts as a benevolent and generous king. He ruled without discrimination, and his people were honest, healthy, and happy under his rule. Mahabali also temporarily possessed the amrita (nectar of eternal life) obtained by the asuras.

The harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated to commemorate and honor the return of the demon king known as Mahabali or Maveli to his state. According to mythology, King Mahabali ruled all three kingdoms of the world after triumphing over the Gods. Due to his kind, loving, and generous nature, King Mahabali was quite renowned among the people.

What are some traditional dishes prepared during Onam?

Celebrated with a grand feast called Onam Sadhya. It is a vegetarian meal served on banana leaves and consists of several dishes. Some of the traditional dishes prepared during Onam are Avial, Thoran, Olan, Kalan, Erissery, Sambar, Rasam, Payasam, and Pachadi.

Watch the below video celebrating the Onam 2023 festival by Kerala Tourism

Image credit

Jerilj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons