| The Onam celebrations open early in the
morning of the Tiru Onam day, at about 4 or 5 a.m. In front of the yard
of the house, a portion is cleaned and smeared with cow-dung. After this,
Conical figures made of sticky clay painted red are placed there. These
images are of various forms. Some represent figures of divinities, others
are mere cones. The latter are known as 'Trikkakara Appan'. The tradition
is that the festival had its origin at Trikkakara, a place 10km from Cochin.
These images are adorned with lines tastefully drawn along and about with
rice flour mixed with water. They are kept only in the front yard, but
also in all prominent places commencing from inside the house and ending
with the gate way outside. Flowers are strewn all along and Pujas performed
to the images every day morning and evening. The first day Puja, is an
elaborate one. One of the inmates of the house act the part of a priest.
He bathes in the morning before dawn and prepares ata. Ata is a preparation
of rice flour and molasses for 'Nivedyam' - offering for the god. Lamps
are lit in front of the image and the Pujari proceeds his Puja in the
presence of the family assembled in the yards. The Ata is placed in front
of the images and he offers it to them. He strews flowers, pours water,
shows certain signs with his fingers, puts on a solemn air and closes
the ceremony. After the dedication of the images, the male members raise
loud rhythmic shouts of joy. This is known as Aarppu Vilikkukal.
By this, they proclaim to the outside world that the great national festival
of the Malayalis has commenced.
As the day dawns, the inmates of the house, bathe and
worship in the village temple. They put on their finest clothes. The most-distinguishing
feature of the Onam festival is the distribution of new clothes as presents.
The Karanavar, the eldest member of the Tarawad gives these presents to
the juniors, the servants and the dependants of the family and others.
The junior members also sometimes give such presents to their relatives.
After the distribution of presents, then comes the feasting.
The most prominent place in the house is selected and all the members
of the family sit in row, with the Karanavar in the middle of the line.
A bright shining lighted brass lamp is placed in front of the Karanavar
at a slight distance. In front of the lamp, towards the west, a small
plantain leaf is spread with its point towards the lamp. Food is served
in it. This is supposed to be for the God Ganapathy to partake.
The tenants of the family, dependants and hangers-on
present themselves before the Karanavar the day previous to Tiru Onam
with the fruits of their labour, such as vegetables of divers sorts, coconut
oil, plantains, pumpkins, cucumbers, brinjal etc. This is called Onakazhcha.
In return for this, the tenants have to be given a sumptuous feast on
one of the Onam days before the festival terminates. Every village artisan
will present the Karanavar of each Nayar Tarawad, a specimen of his handiwork.
These are graciously received and other presents of cloth or rice and
curry stuffs are given in return.
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