Onam is a festival for all the senses. If celebrated properly we will see that it caters towards a positive outlook. It is after all, the harvest festival of hope and love. So it is no wonder that the Festival demands special attention towards Onam Aria.
Onam songs are collectively called Onappaattu. These songs are passed down through oral recitation from one generation to the other. It is a treat for eyes and ears to watch young men and women, sit together and sing melodious songs dressed in their traditional attire.
Onam Songs in Praise of King Mahabali
As Onam is celebrated to welcome the spirit of legendary King Mahabali, most of Onam songs are centered around him. Traditional folk songs extol the reign of King Mahabali when everyone was happy and prosperous. English translation of one such popular folk song goes like:
‘ When Mahabali ruled the land
Everyone was equal
Happily they lived
Danger befell none
There was no falsehood, or fraud
And no untruth.’
These lines aptly portray the golden era Kerala witnessed during king Mahabali’s rule.
On the last day of Onam called Thiru Onam, special Onam songs are sung in praise of King Mahabali. It is believed that the spirit of King Mahabali visits the state of Kerala on this day. English version of an extremely popular song goes,
“Long live Mahabali, the bringer of peace and happiness.”
Another captivating Onam song goes like this –
“Vaninnevam asuya valarthi
Vazka Maveli mangalamoorthy..”
A scintillating Onam song sung by maidens, usually during the performance of Kaikottikkali that celebrates the reign of King Mahabali; this is also the most sung song in Kerala during the festival as every child is taught this in school:
“Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam
Manusharellarum onnu pole…”
English translation of this beautiful Onam song:
‘ When Mahabali, our King, rules the land,
All the peoples form one casteless race.
And people live joyful and merry;
They are free from all harm.
There is neither theft nor deceit,
And no one is false in speech either.
Measures and weights are right;
No one cheats or wrongs the neighbor.
when Mahabali, our King, rules the land,
All the peoples form one casteless race.’
Vanchipattu or Boat Songs
Vallamkalli or Snake Boat Race is a traditional competition during the Onam season. Competitors from all over Kerala take part for the Vallamkalli competitions The competition will not be complete without Vanchipattu. These songs hold all the more importance in Onam festivities as Snake Boat Race or Vallamkali is an integral part of the festival.
There is a good arrangement of music in the large and decorated boats called chundan vallams. Seven drums are carried in the boat; singers and musicians sit in the center of the boat. They help to boost the confidence of the oarsmen and encourage them to row fast. Boatmen row the boat in the rhythm of Vanchipattu presenting a lyrical extravaganza for the thousands of onlookers. A very famous song sung by boatmen is ‘Kuchelavritham Vanchipattu’. It is a devotional song written by Ramapurathu Warrier.
Oonjal or Swing Songs
Onam has a very special for children. They collect flowers for their Athapookalam, so it is no wonder that they are given a special set of songs to sing when they are taking turns for the swing!! Boys and girls dress themselves in their tradition attire for the occasion and sing traditional songs (Onappaattu) while swinging. The swing is hung from high branches and decorated with flowers, presenting a memorable sight and experience.
Thumbi Thullal Song
“Onnam thumbiyum oru pattam makkalum
koode para para thumbi thullu…
thumbi erumballa, chemballa, odalla…
thumbicku orumani ponmaala.. “
“Entha thumbi… thullathe.. poovu poranjo, pookudam poranjo ?
entha thumbi thullathe ? “
“randam thumbiyum oru pattam makkalum…
Repeat the remaining lines of first paragraph. Similarly with MOONNAM THUMBIYUM.. Song should be repeated from one to ten Thumbi…
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