Thiruvonam, the national festival of Malayalis, is being celebrated today with the timeless message of equality, brotherhood and secularism. The festival once again reminds people of the values of harmony and compassion that have been passed down through generations.
The traditional spirit of Onam, however, is gradually changing. The sight of children wandering from one yard to another in search of thumba, mukkutti, shankhupushpam, kakkapoo, kannanthali, krishnakireedam, kurinji, hibiscus and other seasonal flowers has become increasingly unfamiliar to the younger generation.
The traditional making of the pookkalam around Thrikkakara Appan, with children enthusiastically competing to arrange the flowers and grandparents offering instructions and encouragement, is also slowly becoming a memory of the past.
Today, many families buy chrysanthemums and marigolds from the market for ₹50 or ₹100, resulting in pookkalams dominated by yellow, orange and similar colours. The diversity of flowers that once gave traditional Onam celebrations their unique character is gradually disappearing.
At the heart of the Onam legend is the reign of King Mahabali, remembered as a time when there was no deceit or discrimination and people lived together believing in equality. It is said that Mahabali, who ruled with generosity and compassion, would rise from the underworld once every year to visit his people. That annual return is celebrated as the essence of Onam.
The humble thumba flower also holds a special place in the festival. Though small and seemingly insignificant, it became an inseparable part of the traditional pookkalam associated with Onam.
Thiruvonam is therefore not merely a festival of flowers and celebrations, but also an occasion to remember the values of kindness, equality, sharing and social harmony. As Malayalis celebrate the golden Thiruvonam of Chingam, may the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with Mahabali reach everyone and inspire people to care for those around them.
Warm Onam wishes to everyone.
