MORAL VALUES OF ONAM FESTIVITIES

MORAL VALUES OF ONAM FESTIVITIES
-Williamsji Maveli
“ONAM”, the national festival of Kerala State in India, is not just a vibrant celebration of flowers, delicious feasts, and games. It is a profound declaration of human values. This festival, which commemorates the just king Mahabali, is a timeless reminder of human relationships and goodness. Every aspect of Onam reflects the moral values that give strength and direction to human life.
In the complex concept of human life, woven with the threads of experience, emotion, and intellect, there is an unchanging foundation: moral values. These values, which include honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, courage, and justice, help us discover our true identity. Onam brings all these values back into our lives in the form of a festival.
The greatest value of Onam lies in its unity. Onam is a festival celebrated together by everyone, regardless of caste or religion. The belief that all people were equal during the reign of Mahabali gives this celebration a secular character. Everyone comes together to create floral arrangements, swing on the "Oonjal," (Swing)  and sing Onam songs. This promotes harmony and coexistence in society. This unity is a reminder to put aside differences and stand together. These are not merely laws but active principles that foster love and respect among people.
Another important value that Onam promotes is generosity and sharing. The Onam feast is the best example of this. The lavish feast is enjoyed equally by everyone. It is also an opportunity to include guests and those in need. By sharing food, we exchange love and care. This act teaches us that a life based on moral values is also one of sharing.
Humility and simplicity are other important lessons Onam reminds us of. The belief that Mahabali returns from the netherworld once a year to see his subjects reminds us of the importance of returning to our roots, no matter how high our position.
A king who comes as an ordinary person, without the arrogance of power or wealth, to see the happiness of his subjects is a perfect example of humility. The creation of floral arrangements and wearing simple clothes signifies this simplicity. In the countless turns that unpredictable life gives us, humility based on moral values is a compass that guides us.
Every ritual of Onam reflects a specific human value. Art forms like the boat race and "Pulikali" (Tiger Dance) promote a sense of community and teamwork. These cultural elements of Onam encourage us to preserve our traditions.
More than just a festival, Onam is a celebration of humanity. These Onam celebrations become a call to build a world full of love, unity, kindness, and humility.
Onam reminds us that a life based on moral values is not just an honest one, but also a life with a deep sense of purpose and lasting meaning. The true quality of our lives is inextricably linked to the moral framework we choose to uphold. This celebration is not a journey to legal answers but a journey to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. It is an annual opportunity to re-cultivate kindness, goodness, and honesty in the heart of every Keralite in and around the world. –WILLIAMSJI MAVELI