-----Original Message-----
From: Students Cultural Committee
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 6:56 AM
To: Students Cultural Committee; President - PGP Students
Subject: Onam Celebrations

Hi

We invite you all to celebrate Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. The Mess Committee has arranged for a special lunch today, as part of Onam celebrations. Later, there would also be a tug-of-war competition in association with Onam celebrations.

A brief Intro to Onam:

Onam, the popular harvest festival of Kerala is a happy blend of myth and reality. The ten-day Onam festival falls in August-September, coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season.

The Legend :
The celebration of the festival of Onam is based on the myth of Mahabali, a celebrated emperor of the asuras. Onam is celebrated to welcome Mahabali back to Earth and relive a period of peace and prosperity in the mythical past when Mahabali ruled over mankind. According to local belief, in a war that took place between the gods and the asuras, the asuras won. Deeply hurt by the defeat of the gods, Aditi, their mother, prayed to Lord Vishnu to destroy Mahabali, the asura king.

Consequently, Lord Vishnu, in the guise of a Brahmin boy, Vamanan, went to Mahabali and asked to grant him three steps of land. As soon as the wish was granted the boy grew into an awesome giant. With the first step he covered the whole sky, blotting out the stars. With the second he straddled the nether world. One more step and the earth would be destroyed. At that moment, Mahabali bowed his head and offered it for the last step. Vamanan pushed Mahabali deep down into the earth. However pleased by his honesty and generosity, the lord granted him a wish that he could he could visit his kingdom and people on a particular day once a year.

The Festivities :
Preparation of a floral carpet called "Athappookkalam" in front of houses, from the first day of 'Atham' to the tenth day of 'Thiruvonam' is part of the festivities.This is a symbolic gesture to welcome King Mahabali.

One of the important event of 'ONAM' festival is the vegetarian feast( ONAM SADYA ), lavishly served ,as it used to be during the glorious period of the rule of King Mahabali.

Other events include kaikottikali, pulikali (the leopard dance) and the famous boat races.

Cheers,
Culcom

"We Aim to Entertain!"