News Release Details
IndianOil wishes IOCians a very Happy Onam
New Delhi 27-Aug-2007
Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in the state of Kerala. It is the festival of flowers, which falls in 'Chingam' or Bhadrapada usually in August or September in a year. It is a harvest festival and goes on for 4 colourful days with song and Kathakali dances, feasting and boat races . This festival marks the day on which Emperor Maha Bali, due to his profound devotion towards Lord Vishnu and his goodwill and just reign in his kingdom towards his subjects received benediction and liberation at the hands of the Lord, who assumed the Vamana form (an incarnation of Vishnu), to test the greatness of Bali by asking him to grant him three feet of land. This day is celebrated as the day when Emperor Bali was both humiliated and blessed by God, in the Form of Vamana, Sovereign of the Three Worlds. The ten-day celebrations start on Atham day. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it. The lesson that Onam imparts is this: A lifetime spent without devotion to the Almighty Lord is a pitiful waste. Ridding oneself of identification with the body and its adjuncts, one must involve oneself with the spirit. This alone can reveal to him his reality, the Aathma. Thus, man becomes aware of the unity that is truth that is God. Onam epitomizes the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with visit to temples, family get-togethers, gifting each other clothes called Onakkodi and resolving to lead a new life. This festival is also important because of its popularity amongst all communities within Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with, and is connected to the Hindu religion, the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala celebrate it today with equal fervour.
New Delhi 27-Aug-2007
Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in the state of Kerala. It is the festival of flowers, which falls in 'Chingam' or Bhadrapada usually in August or September in a year. It is a harvest festival and goes on for 4 colourful days with song and Kathakali dances, feasting and boat races . This festival marks the day on which Emperor Maha Bali, due to his profound devotion towards Lord Vishnu and his goodwill and just reign in his kingdom towards his subjects received benediction and liberation at the hands of the Lord, who assumed the Vamana form (an incarnation of Vishnu), to test the greatness of Bali by asking him to grant him three feet of land. This day is celebrated as the day when Emperor Bali was both humiliated and blessed by God, in the Form of Vamana, Sovereign of the Three Worlds. The ten-day celebrations start on Atham day. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it. The lesson that Onam imparts is this: A lifetime spent without devotion to the Almighty Lord is a pitiful waste. Ridding oneself of identification with the body and its adjuncts, one must involve oneself with the spirit. This alone can reveal to him his reality, the Aathma. Thus, man becomes aware of the unity that is truth that is God. Onam epitomizes the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with visit to temples, family get-togethers, gifting each other clothes called Onakkodi and resolving to lead a new life. This festival is also important because of its popularity amongst all communities within Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with, and is connected to the Hindu religion, the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala celebrate it today with equal fervour.