Today, we celebrate Onam, the colorful harvest festival mostly celebrated in Kerala. It is a season of joy, harmony, and prosperity. Celebrated every year, usually during the months of August-September, this ten-day festival is an occasion that marks the return of the mythical King Mahabali and the harvest season. As Indians, mostly Keralites look forward to embracing this grand event, sending warm Onam wishes and quotes is a part and parcel of the celebrations, breaking down language and cultural barriers.
Significance of Onam Festival
Onam holds a special place in the hearts of Malayali community worldwide, blending mythology, culture, and agro-traditions. According to legend, King Mahabali, a scarificing, giving and kind ruler loved by his people, was sent to the ‘Patal Lok’ i.e. underworld (netherworld) by the deity Vamana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Impressed by Mahabali’s generosity, Lord Vamana granted him permission to visit his kingdom once every year. This annual visit is celebrated as Onam, symbolizing unity, equality, and prosperity.
Apart from its mythological origins, Onam is essentially a harvest festival marking the gifts of nature and the happiness of plenty. The colorful floral carpets known as Pookkalam, the elaborate communal feast referred to as Onasadya, and the boisterous cultural activities like Vallamkali (boat races) sum up the essence of unity and thanksgiving that Onam embodies.
Onam Wishes to Greet
Onam is a great time to extend warm greetings to friends, family members, and workmates. Some popular messages are:
– “Wishing you a happy and fruitful Onam with joy and success.”
– “May the Onam spirit fill your home with peace and happiness.”
– “Celebrate the harvest season with laughter, love, and warmth. Happy Onam!”
English and Malayalam Onam Quotes
For those looking to give it a cultural twist, here are some of the best Onam quotes in English and Malayalam:
- English: “Onam is the festival of unity, love, and prosperity. May this Onam bring joy to your life.”
- Malayalam: Onathinte santhosham ningalude jeevithathilekku samruddhiyum santhoshavum konduvaratte – “ഓണത്തിന്റെ സന്തോഷം നിങ്ങളുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്ക് സമൃദ്ധിയും സന്തോഷവും കൊണ്ടുവരട്ടെ.”
- English: “May the colors of Pookkalam enhance the beauty of your home, and the festive mood of Onam brighten your heart.”
- Malayalam: “Pookkalathinte niranangal ningalude veetilekkum Onathinte sundaramaya ponpranayam ningalude hridayathilekkum ethikkukollu” – പൂക്കളത്തിന്റെ നിറങ്ങൾ നിങ്ങളുടെ വീട്ടിലേക്കുമുണ്ടായിരിക്കുകയും ഓണത്തിന്റെ സുന്ദരമായ പൊന്പ്രണയം നിങ്ങളുടെ ഹൃദയത്തിലേക്കുമെത്തിക്കുകയുള്ളൂ.”
These quotes not only transfer the spirit of the festival but also touch the emotional detail of Onam.
Festival of Heritage and Nature
Onam is not only a festival but a celebration of Kerala’s rich heritage, the community spirit, and nature’s blessings. Exchanging warm wishes and lovely quotes in English and Malayalam gives a personal touch to the celebrations. With the families coming together for the grand Onasadya, adorning their homes, playing traditional games and dances, Onam goes on building ties and spreading joy across generations.
May this Onam fetch full of happiness, health, and wealth to everyone!