Onam, which breaks all man-made barriers of position, authority, caste, creed and religion, is the most popular festival in Kerala.
King Mahabali giving everything he had including himself to
Vamana is the core theme associated with Onam festival. King Bali is the epitome of Bhakti and self-sacrifice. One of the
greatest tragedies our age is avarice – there is no giving or sharing. A vast
majority of problems the world currently faces can be solved if we develop the
element of sharing.
Possessiveness leads to fear, which causes anger, lack of the
ability to judge whether or not something is good or suitable and finally
complete destruction of the person. We see this happening around us.
The term Bali itself means offering, sacrifice and
dedication. The story of Bali and Vamana is meant for Kali Yuga. Our ancient
teachers had narrated the legend of Bali and Vamana keeping in mind the characteristics
of Kali Yuga. The easiest way to attain bliss on earth is through unwavering
devotion (Bhakti) and through sharing – taking what is needed for our basic
needs and sharing rest with other living beings.
Now a question arises if I give or share what will happen to
me and my family? Scriptures say - Half that I earn is meant for me and my family, quarter for
saving for future and quarter for sharing with the needy.
Happiness that we receive from materialistic things is
momentary. But the happiness that we receive from sharing is everlasting.
There is a wrong notion in Kali Yuga that by sharing or
giving one loses wealth. But in reality sharing or giving only results in
growth. King Bali by sharing achieved the eternal companionship of Srihari
Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
This is the reason on Thiruvonam day, Malayalis around the
world welcome King Mahabali to their homes. It is believed that during Onam, King
Bali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Each house in Kerala decks
up to welcome King Maveli, during whose reign there was no corruption and
people lived happily.
On the Thiruvonam day members of the family gather together,
usually at the ancestral home, for Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on
plantain leaves.
The finest part of Onam is the Onasadya - all
family members sitting together and having traditional food. The feeling of two
or three generations sitting together eating sadya (food) served by mothers is
beyond words.
Wherever we are or whatever we have become in life, Onam is
the time when each and every Malayali goes backs to his/her roots.
By Abhilash Rajendran
www.hindu-blog.com
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