The joyous festival of Onam is marked today with an immense devotion and ardor by city’s Malyali community. Onam is celebrated for a period of10 days by observing various religious gatherings, events, feasts and social events that will be held in the city.

Today, at the only temple of Lord Ayappa situated at RSMM compound, opposite the office of Devasthan, the devotees gathered to conduct mass prayers and religious ceremonies. Women dressed in beautiful set-sari, a traditional Kerala style of saree. They were seen decorating floors of temple with various flowers similar to Rangoli which is known as pookkalam.

Onam is celebrated with a strong customary belief of the return of Great King of Kerala, Mahabali on the earth, as he was blessed by Lord Vishnu to visit his people once a year.

To observe gratitude towards King Mahabali, the people of Kerala celebrates Onam every year with great dedication and joy.

According to Vishambhar Panicker, Secretary of Shri Ayappa Swami Smiti in Udaipur, the festival will continue till 18 of September. On Saturday, 10 September a carnival will be organized which will be followed by mass prayer in Shri Ayappa Temple where devotees will offer ‘bhog’ (special food) prepared for God.

As per the sources, there are roughly 1000 Malayalam speaking people in Udaipur comprising the Hindus and the Christians.

However, Onam is considered as the celebration whole of Kerala without any difference of castes and religions.

It is highly believed that the secular character of Onam is peculiar to this land where unity had always coexisted with diversity, especially during festivals, when people come together to celebrate life’s unlimited joys.

Onam or Thiruonam originated as a joyous annual reminiscence of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a mythical king, who ruled Kerala a very long time ago. It recalls the sacrifice of the great king, his true devotion to God, his human pride and his ultimate redemption. Onam welcomes the spirit of a great king and assures him that his people are happy.

UT thanks Vaishak Nair and Vishambhar Panicker for their contribution in this article.