Husaini Ambawala – 
Onam is a festival that finds the people of Kerala in a state of joy since it is expected to herald a new era of prosperity. The fact that it unites people is symbolised by this article published in our August 15, 2005 issue. Written by Husaini Ambawala who was that time Ethnic Affairs Advisor at the office of the then MP Dr Ashraf Choudhary in Auckland, it pays homage to all Malayalees who mark this event, this article is unusual in its length because of the initiative and enthusiasm of its author.
Onam is the most important festival for people from the South Indian state of Kerala and it is marked with the same zeal as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Vaisakhi celebrated by Hindus throughout the country.
Onam is connected with the Golden rule and period of the Asura (Demon) King Mahabali.
According to historic records, people in his Kingdom enjoyed equality, peaceful co-existence and security. Crime was virtually absent and houses were seldom locked.
Ego clouds vision
There was no discrimination and everybody looks forward to King Mahabali as their saviour, protector and benefactor. His honesty and kindness were praised far and wide.
However, the King had one weakness – he had a big ego.
The legend has it, that Aditi (mother of Gods in heaven) was worried about the King’s growing influence over the people, and the Gods, fearing the challenge, asked Lord Vishnu to intervene and put the King in his place.
Vaman Avatar
Lord Vishnu took the Avatar of a dwarfed Poor Brahmin (Vaman) and went to King Mahabali, who was performing a Yajna. Vaman asked the King for three steps of land measured in his tiny feet. Mahabali laughed and granted him the wish.
Vaman started growing in size. His one foot covered the entire earth, other foot the skies and he asked the King where to put the third foot.
Realising that he cannot go back on his promise, Mahabali offered his head and was pushed to the world beneath the earth. It was then that he learnt that the Dwarf was Lord Vishnu.
He asked the Protector of the Universe to grant him the boon of returning to earth once a year to see his people. His visit is marked as Onam.
Widespread celebrations
A unique aspect of Onam is that it is celebrated jointly by people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others. It is an occasion for spreading joy, goodwill, understanding, companionship and the message of peaceful co-existence, just as Mahabali desired.
One of the important aspects of Onam is the ‘Pookolam,’ or a floral form of Rangoli, using flowers of varied colours and sizes, that are abundant in Kerala. Women decorate the threshold of their home with this flower mat. It is common to hold a contest to decide and reward the home with the best and most innovative ‘Pookolam.’
The practice is followed in other parts of the world including New Zealand. Since ‘Pookolam’ is undertaken as a community undertaking at the venue where Onam is celebrated, the cost element is never an issue.
Traditional Items
Onam festivities usually include ‘Thiruvathira Kali Thumbi,’ a traditional dance, songs, drama and most important of all, the ‘Return of Mahabali.’ A member of the community is chosen to represent the great King.
A grand Lunch is organised on the Thiruvonam day. Malayalees emphasise ‘Onam Sadhya,’ a traditional meal served on banana leaf, saying, ‘Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam,’ meaning that one should organise the lunch even if it meant selling his or her property.
Onam Sadhya is organised by Keralites throughout New Zealand, although it is becoming increasingly common to join the community celebrations, contributing to the events. Thus, men and women not only offer cash but also participate in cooking varieties of food for mass consumption. It is common to serve ‘Onam Sadhya’ in the evening to suit the convenience of organiser and members of many communities attending the festivities.
Special Season
This is a very special time for people in Kerala. After three months of Monsoon, Nature is in her bounty, rivers and brooks are full of water, and flowers are aplenty, all of which set the perfect scene for celebrations.
A number of community events such as ‘Vallamkali’ (play with water), a boat race and cultural programmes are held throughout the State of Kerala for ten days, making it a special place on earth. The spirit of oneness that Onam brings is the finest aspect of the Festival.
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