It’s festival time again! Onam is the time of year when all Malayalees, wherever they may be in the world, get together and celebrate this much loved festival with mouthwatering saddyas, new clothes and a lot of warmth and cheer. If you don’t really know the story behind this festival, then read on….
As legend has it, there was once an Asura king called Mahabali who ruled Kerala. He was a wise, ruler and much loved by his subjects. He was so much loved, in fact, that the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers. Getting worried that his fame would overpower that of her own sons, Aditi, the mother of the Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to cut short Mahabali’s powers.
Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf called Vamana. Approaching Mahabali while he was performing a yajna , he asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf brahmin’s wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish. Sensing that the dwarf was not an ordinary person, the Emperor’s advisor, Shukracharya warned him against making the gift. But when the Emperor heard this, his kingly ego was flattered that God had asked him for a favor. He kept his word and firmly declared that there is no greater sin than going back on one’s promise.
The Vamana said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a simple gift — just three paces of land — and the king, though he was surprised to hear this, agreed to it at once.
Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then grew in stature and expanded to the size of the cosmic universe. With the first step he covered the sky, blotting out the stars and with the second, the netherworld. Mahabali offered his head as the last step…he had nothing else left to offer and could not revert on his promise.
With Vishnu’s third step, Mahabali was pushed to the netherworld, but as he was pleased with his devotion, Vishnu granted him a boon. Since he was very attached to his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from his exile….and Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this powerful and much loved king who gave his all for his subjects.
The MWT Bulletin wishes all of you a very happy Onam and much happiness and prosperity in the coming year! Here’s a small glimpse of how we celebrated Onam at our Kochi offices this year….
Best Pookalam Winner
Best Team
Some more snaps
