In the Indian state of Kerala, it’s Onam festival in a few days.
Onam is one of the festivals that everyone in Kerala anticipates.
The festival celebrates harvest, mythology and tradition.
Beyond that, it is also when many Ayurvedic practices hold significance and go hand in hand with the traditions.
Let us learn more about it in this blog.
Tradition and Mythology
Onam festival is a mixture of traditions and mythology.
Celebrations are held to commemorate the legendary Asura king, King Mahabali, who is believed to have ruled Kerala.
The time of his reign was believed to be of unity, happiness, truthfulness, peace and prosperity.
It is believed that King Mahabali returns to Kerala to meet his subjects every year on Thiruvonam (the 10th day of Onam celebrations).
His return is celebrated with grand festivities, highlighting Kerala’s culture and traditions.
Beyond that, Onam teaches us the importance of values that once prevailed during the rule of King Mahabali.
These values are essential to building a harmonious society, which impacts your physical and emotional health.
Onam also marks the end of the monsoon season and the start of harvest season in the state.
Hence, Onam is also known as a harvest festival. The festival is celebrated with many cultural rituals, like Pookalam or flower carpets and traditional games.
The best part is the elaborate feast or Sadhya which is a blend of many flavours and tastes.
Beyond all that, Onam is also a time when many Ayurvedic principles come to the forefront.
They play an important role in restoring your physical, mental and spiritual health. Also, considering how the climate is stable during Onam, it is the best time to seek Ayurvedic treatments.
You can try cleansing therapies like Panchakarma to detoxify your body. Also, Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices help balance your Doshas and Agni (digestive fire).
When Ayurveda Aligns with Tradition
Kerala’s culture and lifestyle have incorporated Ayurvedic practices for a long time without intention.
Ayurveda believes in maintaining the harmony between body and nature.
That’s the same principle that Onam follows. The festival encourages us to live in alliance with nature.
The pookalam or flower carpet is one example. It is one ritual that honours the soil that sustains us and reminds us of our connection with nature.
Onam and Ayurveda
Many of Onam’s practices naturally align with Ayurvedic principles.
Sadhya
Sadhya or feast is a major part of Onam.
It consists of rice, side dishes, curries and pickles – all that form a potpourri of flavours.
We use natural and seasonal ingredients to prepare sadhya dishes.
Also, Sadhya satisfies all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent).
This is essential in maintaining a balanced diet according to Ayurveda.
Ayurveda recommends having foods that are warm, freshly cooked and easy to digest.
This holds true for Onam Sadhya.
The ingredients and spices used in the dishes are not only delicious, but they also have medicinal properties.
They help improve your digestion and boost your immunity.
Also, the sadhya is served in banana leaves, which is a sign of connection with nature.
Pookalam
Pookalam or the designs made of flowers on the ground is an important part of Onam.
People use ten varieties of flowers to make a pookalam.
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They include the following:
- Ceylon slitwort (Thumba)
- Little tree plant (Mukutti)
- Holy Basil (Tulsi)
- Hibiscus
- Ixora (Thechi)
- Butterfly pea (Shankhapushpi)
- Pagoda flower (Krishnakireedam)
- Golden trumpet flower (Kolambi poovu)
- White Orchid tree flower (Mandaram)
- Common Lantana (Aripoo)
Before,people used freshly plucked flowers to create pookalam. But now, most people buy them from the market.
The fresh flowers are rich in fragrance and colour, which is a way to connect us with nature.
Also, as you spend time creating pookalam, it makes you feel calm and mindful. This, in turn, helps your mental health.
Onam and Spirituality
Ayurveda is deeply rooted in spirituality.
The rituals of Onam have a spiritual connection and promote the messages of unity, love and balance. These qualities are all part of Ayurvedic philosophy.
Unity and harmony
Onam is a festival that is beyond the boundaries of religion, caste or financial status.
On the occasion of Onam, people from different walks of life, be it family or friends, get together to celebrate.
This unity and friendship displayed during the festival is equivalent to the Ayurvedic principle of Sattva which is the synonym of purity and balance.
This brings a significant impact on your mental health.
Gratitude
Onam is a celebration of harvest.
It is when the farmers receive the outcome of their months-long hard work.
Onam festival is, therefore, their way of expressing gratitude to nature.
The feeling of gratitude stems from contentment. This emotion reduces anxiety and stress.
Ayurvedic Principles in Modern Onam Celebrations
In today’s fast-paced world, Ayurvedic principles hold more significance than ever.
Onam has many Ayurvedic principles naturally integrated into its rituals.
Also, the festival being a symbol of unity, heritage and spirituality reminds us to live a balanced life in harmony with nature.
Consciously integrating Ayurvedic practices will help us further,
Going for Ayurvedic treatments around the time helps detoxify your body and strengthen your immune system.
It also helps boost your energy levels, which is very much needed during the festivities.
Onam is not just a festival that reflects Kerala’s culture, traditions and mythology, but also celebrates Ayurvedic principles.
The festival teaches us to experience a deeper connection with nature, harmony and togetherness.
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