Introduction
Festivals are an occasion of joy, excitement and communal harmony. People gather together and share in each other’s happiness. Onam is no different.
Onam is a vibrant and significant harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Kerala, India. The state’s official festival is celebrated with immense vigour by the Malayali community in and outside Kerala. In fact, Onam is called the festival of togetherness as people from different religions in Kerala celebrate Onam, it is more about the state’s culture and togetherness than just religion. It highlights the state’s pluralistic traditions
It commemorates the return of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler known for his just and prosperous reign, symbolizing the return of a golden era. Onam marks the end of the monsoon season and the harvest of the first crop, celebrating the abundance of the land.
Onam is a time when everyone in Kerala comes together to celebrate their traditions, food, and way of life. Kerala during Onam is marked by happiness, excitement and enjoyment among all sections of people.
Cultural festivals in schools
Is celebrating cultural festivals in schools important? Yes, it is because it brings students from different backgrounds together, helping them feel united and respected. Students learn about and appreciate various cultures, traditions, and values, which encourages understanding and acceptance. Cultural traditions can be kept alive for future generations too when cultural festivals are celebrated. Moreover, these events boost students’ social skills and creativity, making school life more lively and enriching.
Onam celebrations in schools offer a special chance to instil cultural pride and a sense of belonging in children. By engaging in traditional activities, games, and rituals, students connect with their heritage and learn the importance of their cultural roots. These celebrations help children develop a deeper appreciation for their culture, fostering a strong sense of identity and community within the school environment.
1. Onam legend and story
Onam is celebrated for reasons rooted in both mythology and ancient agrarian traditions.
According to the myth and as per the legend, King Mahabali, also known as Maveli, was a generous and virtuous ruler of Kerala. King Mahabali was actually a “daitya” demon king who ruled wisely and generously. However, the Gods felt insecure due to his influence and approached Lord Vishnu for help. He took his fifth avatar of Vamana – a Brahmin dwarf and asked Mahabali to grant him a wish. The King agreed and Vamana requested just “three feet of land.” Upon Mahabali’s acceptance, Vamana grew to an enormous size and covered the entirety of Mahabali’s kingdom with just his two feet. Mahabali offered his head to Vamana to step in, an act that Lord Vishnu accepted as evidence of Mahabali’s devotion. Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his lands and people once every year. This occasion is celebrated by all Keralites as Onam.
And the other cause for celebrating Onam is because it coincides with the time of year when Kerala’s harvest is abundant, bringing joy and prosperity.
2. The 10 days of Onam
The celebrations for Onam are held for ten days, beginning with the atham asterism in the month of Chingam (August / September) as per the local calendar. The then days of Onam celebrations are:
- Atham
- Chithira
- Chodi
- Vishakam
- Anizham
- Thriketta
- Moolam
- Pooradam
- Uthradom
- Thiruvonam
The ten-day Onam festival holds deep significance as it marks both cultural and agricultural celebrations in Kerala. Each day of the festival is dedicated to various rituals, cultural events, and activities that reflect the state’s rich heritage. The festival commemorates the legendary King Mahabali’s annual visit to Kerala, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and the return of a golden era. Additionally, Onam celebrates the bountiful harvest, signifying abundance and happiness. The ten-day celebrations bring together people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
3. Key elements of Onam celebrations
Onam is celebrated for 10 days in Kerala and with great enthusiasm. Making Pookalam (rangoli), huge feasts, folk dances, worship, tug of war and snake boat races have become synonymous with Onam. These elements highlight the cultural richness and communal spirit of the Onam festival. Key elements of Onam celebrations are:
1. Pookalam: A vibrant floral carpet created on the ground, usually at the entrance of homes. Pookalams are made using fresh flowers arranged in intricate patterns, symbolizing prosperity and welcoming King Mahabali.
2. Onasadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, consisting of a variety of traditional dishes like rice, sambar, avial, and payasam. Onasadya is a central part of the Onam celebrations, representing the abundance of the harvest.
3. Boat Races (Vallamkali): Traditional snake boat races held on the rivers of Kerala. These races are highly competitive and attract large crowds, showcasing the spirit of teamwork and community.
In addition to Pookalam, Onasadya, and Boat Races, other key elements of Onam celebrations include:
4. Thiruvathira Kali: A traditional dance by women around a lamp, symbolizing marital harmony and celebrating the divine love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
5. Pulikali: Also called the “Tiger Dance,” where performers, painted as tigers and hunters, dance to drum beats, adding a lively touch to the festival.
6. Kaikottikali: A graceful group dance by women in traditional attire, performed around the Pookalam, reflecting joy and togetherness.
7. Onakkodi: The custom of wearing new clothes during Onam, symbolizing new beginnings and honoring the festive spirit.
8. Onathallu: A traditional martial art performance showcasing Kerala’s historical valor.
Celebrate Onam: Activities for the classroom
1. Engaging classroom activities to teach about Onam:
a. Storytelling and Drama:
Teachers can narrate the legend of King Mahabali and the origin of Onam, followed by a drama performance where students act out key scenes from the story. This helps students connect with the cultural significance of the festival.
b. Art and Craft Activities:
Organize activities like making Pookalams (floral designs) using colored paper or real flowers, and creating traditional Onam-themed paper decorations. This allows students to explore their creativity while learning about Onam traditions.
c. Music and Dance:
Introduce students to traditional Onam songs and folk dances like Thiruvathira Kali. They can learn and perform these dances, immersing themselves in the cultural rhythms and expressions of Onam.
d. Special Assembly:
Schools can organize special assemblies focused on Onam, featuring activities like speeches, skits, dances, debates, quizzes, and songs. This brings students together and teaches them the values and significance of Onam.
e. Cultural Fests:
Hosting an Onam cultural fest with dance performances, talent shows, puppet plays, local food stalls, and traditional craft shops can boost students’ spirits and spread awareness about the festival.
f. Films and Plays:
Students can watch movies, documentaries, or theatrical plays related to Onam, which schools can arrange on campus.
g. Traditional Games:
Host traditional Onam games such as tug-of-war, sack races, or musical chairs.
h. Competitions:
Fun competitions not only engage students but also give them a taste of the communal and joyful spirit of Onam celebrations.
- Rangoli Competitions: Rangolis are an essential part of Onam and other Indian festivals. A rangoli competition allows students to showcase their creativity and can be combined with drawing or arts and crafts contests.
- Essay Writing Competitions: An essay competition on Onam encourages students to research, learn, and express their thoughts, fostering pride in their cultural heritage.
- Fancy Dress Competitions: Since Onam is closely tied to ancient customs, schools can organize dress-up days where students wear traditional attire, such as the Kasavu Sari for women and Mundu for men.
2. Involving the community
Simple Ideas for Involving Parents and the Community in Onam Celebrations
a. Community Onam Feasts and Cultural Programs:
Host a community-wide Onam feast where everyone can share a traditional meal and enjoy cultural performances by students, parents, and local artists. This brings people together and celebrates the festive spirit.
b. Onam Storytelling Sessions:
Invite elders to share stories and myths about Onam with students. This helps preserve traditions and creates a meaningful connection between generations.
c. Family Participation in School Events:
Encourage parents to get involved in school events by helping with decorations, preparing traditional dishes, or organizing cultural performances. This hands-on involvement strengthens the bond between families and the school.
d. Parent-Teacher Workshops on Onam Traditions:
Organize workshops where parents and teachers can learn and share knowledge about Onam traditions like Pookalam making, traditional cooking, and folk dances, fostering a stronger connection between home and school.
e. School-Community Collaborations:
Partner with local organizations to organize larger Onam events, such as craft stalls, competitions, or joint cultural performances, involving the wider community in the celebration.
f. Cultural Exchange Programs:
Set up cultural exchange events where families from different backgrounds can share their traditions while learning about Onam, promoting understanding and enriching the celebration.
g. Onam-Themed Charity Events:
Organize charity events during Onam, like a food drive or fundraiser, to support local charities and encourage social responsibility.
h. Onam Exhibition:
Create an Onam-themed exhibition at the school where parents and community members can display artifacts, traditional items, or photos related to Onam, offering an educational experience and a way to showcase heritage.
Conclusion
Onam is a vibrant and ancient festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala, rich in mythology and traditions. Schools play a key role in helping students learn about its cultural significance and history. Celebrating Onam in schools is important for students’ overall development. Onam, with its rich traditions and stories, helps students learn about cultural heritage in a fun way. Activities like special assemblies, cultural fests, rangoli making, and fancy dress competitions teach students about Onam’s significance and history. These celebrations boost students’ social, emotional, and creative skills, fostering cultural awareness and community spirit. Including Onam and other cultural festivals in school helps make learning more engaging and meaningful.
FAQs
1. What are the customs and traditions of Onam?
Onam is celebrated with vibrant decorations, traditional dances like Thiruvathira, and a grand feast called Onam Sadya. People also engage in boat races, flower arrangements known as Pookalam, and cultural performances.
2. What is the significance of Onam for kids?
For kids, Onam is a time of joy and celebration, marked by fun activities, traditional games, and delicious food. It also helps them learn about their cultural heritage and participate in family traditions.
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3. What are the special things that people do while celebrating Onam?
During Onam, people create intricate flower carpets, enjoy a festive meal with a variety of dishes, and participate in cultural events like boat races and dance performances. The celebration also includes wearing traditional attire and visiting family and friends.
4. Which is the most important part of the Onam Festival?
The most important part of Onam is the Onam Sadya, a lavish feast featuring numerous traditional dishes served on a banana leaf. This meal symbolizes abundance and unity, central to the festival’s celebrations.
5. What are the values of Onam?
Onam promotes values of togetherness, prosperity, and respect for tradition. It emphasizes the importance of community, family, and sharing in the celebration of cultural heritage.
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