Onam is the State festival of Kerala (declared so sicne 1961). This festival is believed to have been celebrated from at least 8th century AD. The significance festival is two-fold. It is supposed to remind the Malayalees of the glorious past in two ways.
Firstly, as many of the customs reflect, this was celebrated as a harvest festival. It is customary most of the societies to have certain celebrations and thanks giving for having completed one agricultural season and attaining a good harvest. The members of the society would engage in such activities that reflect their happiness in getting good result for their efforts. This reminds Malayalees of the golden period where the Kerala society was self sufficient in food production also. Currently, the state has become a complete consumer state that depends on the neighbouring state for all it agrarian requirements. This is the result of the rapid urbanisation. The attitude of the "Educated class" in considering the agriculture as a profession not upto the dignity and as an uneconomic activity.
Secondly, Onam reminds Malayalees of the golden days of the region under the reign of King Mahabali (Maveli as he is popularly called). He was an Asura King. His rule signified the equality and integrity in the society and it was being cited as the ideal country across the world. The legend goes that the Devas who considered themselves to enjoy the privilege of ruling the world could not stand an Asura King running a country in the ideal way. They have approached Vishnu for showing the Asura his place. The legend goes to state that Vishnu agreed to the request of the Devas. He took the form of Vamana. The King Maveli was performing an Ashwamedha Yaga and declared that he will fulfill any wishes by anybody. Lord Vishnu appeared before the Maveli in the form of Vamana who is a brahman. He was given a warm welcome by the King. He extended all courtesies and respect to the Brahman. The King enquired whether he has any wishes. Vamana told that he does not require anything significant. he wants land that would cover only three of his foot steps. The wish was readily granted. On hearing this, Vamana grew in size. With one step he covered earth, covered heavens with another and demanded for the third. King Maveli determined keep his word, has offered his head as the third step. Vamana placed his foot on his head and the king was sent down to patala. However, before being sent down, Lord Vishnu granted him one wish. It was allowing him to visits his subjects once in an year. The Onam is considered the period when King Maveli is coming to visit his people. While this reminds the Keralites of the golden age in the History, it also raises certain ethical issues. The natural question it raises is the right to equality. The established belief was that only people belonging to certain class are destined to rule. The punishment given to Maveli reiterates this belief. However, the counter argument is that Maveli was given a chance to be honoured as the greatest Bhaktas of Vishnu by sacrificing his kingdom and life for him.
The curent state of affairs in the state hold deeper meanings for the story as the very base of Kerala Model of development itself is being questioned. This should motivate the Kerala society to adapt to the requirements of the changing times so that the new generation can look to the future with some hope.
