Enthusiasts from all around the country celebrate the Onam festival annually with great grandeur and jamboree. The legend of the Onam traces back to the Sangam period. The beginning of Chingam, the first solar Malayalam calendar marks the celebration of the Onam festival. Onam is a ten-day-long occasion that commemorates the annual visit of King Mahabali to Earth, who was a demon but he ruled benevolently and kindly over the kingdom of Kerala.

The Legend Of King Mahabali

Onam is observed in memory of the kind-hearted King Mahabali who reigned in the stunning state of Kerala. According to the mythological interpretation, Lord Vishnu deceived him and pushed him down the Patal Lok. Gods of heaven were fearful of the increasing popularity of the demon king Mahabali. Therefore, Vishnu transformed himself into a dwarf Vamana to protect the earthlings from the wrath of this demon king. But due to his good deeds, Lord Vishnu granted him a wish of visiting his prosperous kingdom once a year.

Vaman Avatar of Lord Vishnu

The legend says, Mahabali returns to Earth from Patala during this grand festival. Onam Eve aka First Onam or Uthradom is that time of the year when King Mahabali visits his prosperous kingdom. It’s a jubilant occasion when people rush to complete their Onam shopping and the cleaning of their homes. This year, the dates of Onam are from August 12, 2021, to August 23, 2021.

Why Celebrate the Onam Festival With Pookalam Art?

The opulent Onam festival is the festival of flowers and Pookalam is one of the greatest events of this festival. People decorate their courtyard with beautiful and multi-coloured patterns. Especially women of the household create amazing Pookalam art with petals of various flowers. These flower designs give an impression of a flower mat.

As a matter of fact, Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Moreover, itt resembles a rangoli, except for any use of colours. It consists of two words, ‘poov’ meaning flower and ‘kalam’ means colour sketches on the ground. Pookalam aka ‘Aththa-Poo’ is a symbol of a warm welcome.

How about celebrating this pious festival with an equally vibrant and aesthetic artform Pookalam? The hearty hospitality along with the preparation for the Onam festivities are incomplete without Pookalam. Along with your family and friends indulge in the graceful dexterity of making the Pookalam and honour the sentiments of the Onam festival.