Onam is a celebration that transcends social division, a time to enjoy. Do not demean it with modern vices

Keralites all over the world celebrate Onam, described as the State’s national festival. Caste, creed, and religion give way to the rare sense of oneness as Abdullah, Abraham and Asoka come together to share the joy of this rare spectacle. It is to perpetuate the memory of Mahabali, who is said to have ruled the region before he was dumped into the netherworld by Lord Vishnu who took birth in the form of Vamana at the request of the Devas. The latter feared that the day was not far off when Mahabali would conquer their empire and make them slaves. There is no scientific, historical, or archaeological evidence to substantiate this folklore. Since it is a season of joy when flowers bloom and trees bear fruits, nobody bothers about the authenticity of the legend. It is also believed that there was no inequality or corruption or favoritism among the rulers during the reign of Mahabali.

Except for a temple at Thrikkakkara where the presiding deity is Lord Vamana, there are no temples for the main protagonist for whom the festival is celebrated.Onam during modern times has degenerated into a shopping festival. Supermarkets, malls, FMCG manufacturers set the sale targets for the Onam festival months in advance. The TV channels are flooded with the Onam celebrations of film stars and the impression is getting wider by the day that the festival of oneness is the prerogative of superstars and mega stars. The saying that when Mahabali ruled Kerala, there were no thefts, dacoits, murders, killing of brides, kidnapping of children and grown-up persons, and a sense of honesty prevailed all over the State. But modern-day Kerala has become an epicenter of all these evil deeds. The chief minister himself has told the legislative assembly that Kerala has become a hub of narcotics smuggling. Women play a significant role in pushing drugs. More than 1,86,000 persons were bitten by stray dogs and 21 persons including a 12-year-old girl lost their lives to rabies. Not a single day passes in the State without reports of pedestrians and two-wheelers getting crushed by over-speeding buses and trucks.No Onam songs would be sufficient to make Mahabali visit his former kingdom where roads are full of potholes and infectious diseases are the order of the day. Kerala deserves a much better administration and governance. Onam is for celebration and not for lamenting.