Onam Through the Ages: A Celebration of Community, Belonging, and Mental Harmony

Festivals have always been more than cultural markers, they are emotional anchors that give communities a sense of rhythm, continuity, and belonging. 

Among India’s many vibrant celebrations, Onam holds a unique place. Rooted in the lush state of Kerala, Onam is not just a harvest festival but also a bridge between myth and history, abundance and humility, individuality and togetherness. Through the ages, it has carried profound psychological meaning, reminding us how community and tradition can nurture mental harmony.

The Legend of Mahabali: Hope and Belonging

The story of Onam begins with King Mahabali, the mythical ruler of Kerala. Loved for his generosity and fairness, Mahabali’s reign was remembered as an era of equality, peace, and prosperity. According to legend, the gods grew concerned as Mahabali’s power expanded, and Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, gently dethroned him. Yet, Mahabali was granted a boon: to return once a year and visit his people.

This legend, celebrated every Onam, is more than folklore it’s a tale of hope and belonging. Psychologically, the narrative represents the deep human yearning for connection with figures of care and stability. Mahabali’s annual return symbolizes reassurance that goodness, even if temporarily lost, always finds a way back. This cyclical return of hope mirrors how communities rely on rituals to regain a sense of stability during uncertain times.

Harvest and Harmony

Onam coincides with the harvest season, traditionally a time of plenty. Farmers, after months of labor, celebrated the arrival of prosperity with gratitude. Historically, harvest festivals across cultures have been associated with psychological relief, the stress of uncertainty gives way to the joy of abundance.

Modern psychology explains this as a shift from scarcity mindset to gratitude mindset. When communities come together to celebrate abundance, they experience collective joy that strengthens bonds and reduces stress. Onam, with its ten-day festivities, flower carpets (pookalam), boat races, and feasts (sadhya), reinforces this sense of shared prosperity and collective well-being.

The Sadhya: Shared Meals, Shared Minds

One of Onam’s highlights is the Onam Sadhya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Historically, the Sadhya symbolized equality, as everyone regardless of caste or class sat together to share the same meal.

Psychologists view shared meals as powerful rituals of belonging. Eating together fosters connection, lowers feelings of isolation, and boosts oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” The Sadhya is more than food, it is a practice of inclusion, reminding us that mental harmony thrives when people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Pookalam and the Psychology of Creativity

The vibrant flower carpets, or pookalams, created during Onam are both aesthetic and therapeutic. Every household contributes to this communal art form, blending colors into symmetrical patterns. Engaging in creative traditions like these has proven psychological benefits: it reduces anxiety, fosters mindfulness, and creates a shared sense of achievement. The pookalam, therefore, becomes a symbol of collective artistry and harmony.

Dance, Play, and Release

Onam festivities also include Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kaikottikali (traditional dance). These communal activities are not just entertainment they serve as emotional release. From a psychological perspective, dance and play provide catharsis, helping individuals express suppressed emotions while strengthening group identity. Laughter, music, and physical activity reduce cortisol levels, leaving participants more relaxed and connected.

Onam’s Message for Modern Minds

In today’s fast-paced, fragmented world, mental health challenges often stem from loneliness, disconnection, and stress. Onam’s age-old traditions remind us of the importance of community. Whether through shared meals, creative expressions, or collective celebrations, the festival reinforces belonging and resilience.

The story of Mahabali also carries a modern psychological lesson: even when life feels like it has taken something away, there are cycles of renewal. The return of joy just like Mahabali’s yearly visit is inevitable. This message of hope and continuity can be deeply grounding for mental well-being.

A Reminder

Onam through the ages has been more than a festival; it has been a psychological anchor for communities. Its rituals of sharing, creating, and celebrating teach us that mental harmony doesn’t come from individual success alone but from belonging to something larger. In honoring Mahabali, decorating pookalams, or gathering for the Sadhya, people reaffirm their ties to one another and to tradition.

As history flows into the present, Onam continues to remind us: when communities come together with gratitude and love, minds find peace, hearts find joy, and life feels abundant—even beyond the feast.

Written By : R. Sagarikaa

Inputs By : L. Padma Swathy, Counselling Psychologist