Kerala may be flood ravaged, but the spirit of Onam is alive and kicking

As Kerala celebrates the festival of Onam on Saturday, celebrations have been kept low profile as people of the flood-ravaged state pick up the pieces and rebuild lives.

With pookalams (a rangoli-of-sorts with flowers), dance and music, Malayalis decked in traditional attire would have gathered in homes for an elaborate sadya, had it been a regular Onam. This year, however, that is not the case. All said, though the incessant rains, floods and landslides dampened the celebrations, it has not been able to undermine the spirit of Malayalis.

With over a million people displaced and living in relief camps, these camps have become centres of celebration with people and volunteers trying best to keep up the positive spirit of the harvest festival. While relief camps are being decked up, sadyas are being prepared in camps too. While new clothes have been gifted to victims in many camps, cultural activities and games are also been organised. Viral videos of people dancing and cheering in the camps only provide more hope that the state will recover from the havoc caused by the worst floods in a hundred years.

While volunteers and well-wishers try to make the Onam special for the homeless in relief camps, those who have been relatively unaffected have set aside their celebrations to contribute the money for relief work. The state government cancelled the official Onam celebrations and diverted Rs 30 crore set aside for the festivities, to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Politicians and celebrities also joined in for relief measures. Singer K.S. Chitra and Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, for instance, will celebrate Onam at the relief camps in Alappuzha district.

According to legend, Onam marks the return of Asura king Mahabali to Kerala. It is believed his rule was the golden period of the state with harmony, peace and well-being. Myth has it that the gods were jealous of the king's popularity. Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf (Vaamana avatar) and visited Mahabali and asked for three wishes. He asked that he be given a piece of land that measured three steps. Mahabali agreed. The dwarf then grew in size. With the first two steps, his feet covered everything Mahabali ruled. When it was time to take the third step, Mahabali bowed down and Vishnu placed his foot over the king’s head and sent him to the netherworld. Impressed with Mahabali’s devotion, Vishnu allowed Mahabali to return to his land once every year.

So, Onam in a way is a celebration of good times and comebacks. This year, Malayalis look up to Onam as a stepping stone to making a comeback. And are confident to fight on.

As the state recovers, Onam wishes have been pouring in on social media. Politicians, actors and cultural icons have wished the state the best.