Onam is the vibrant harvest festival of Kerala, a celebration of unity, tradition and abundance. It’s also the time of the year when we prepare to honour the return of King Mahabali with friends and family. What’s the story behind Onam? According to the Hindu legends, when the devas sought refuge in Vishnu after Mahabali defeated Indra, Vishnu agreed to restore Indra’s power. For this, Vishnu disguises himself as a dwarf priest (as Vamana) and visits Mahabali. Vamana requested Mahabali for three feet of land. Being the generous king he is, Mahabali agrees. Vamana grows in size and takes two strikes, encompassing the universe and beyond. For the third foot, Mahabali offers his head to keep the promise. With this, the three worlds are restored to Indra, and Mahabali is banished to the netherworld. Witnessing Mahabali’s love for his people, Vamana offers that Mahabali can visit his kingdom once every year. And this homecoming of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam every year.
This article gives you great tips to capture the essence of Onam and create a festive ambience in your home.
Pookalam
When you think of Onam, the first thing that comes to your mind is the Onam pookalam decoration – the gorgeous floral arrangement that sits as the heart of every home in Onam. Setting the pookalam can be fun, where all your friends and family can pitch in, crafting beautiful patterns with the freshest flowers. Make your Onam pookalam designs stand out with flowers like marigolds, hibiscus, jasmine and so on. Don’t worry; even if you are bad at art or creativity, sometimes, the most heartfelt creations are the simplest.
Also consider bringing more floral elements into the home, other than the pookalam. Try arranging flower petals in tables or hanging flower garlands in the rooms and doors. These not only enhance the Onam festive spirit but also create an inviting and warm atmosphere in the room for welcoming guests.
Traditional lamps and lighting
Let’s just admit there’s something truly magical about nilavilakku during Onam. The golden glow from these lamps creates serene, earthy and peaceful atmospheres. Try placing this at your front door and pair it with fairy lights for blending in with the modern decor. This will definitely make the home look festive and cosy.
Onam colours
Use the colours yellow, white and green if you want to add freshness and vibrancy to your home decor. As part of home decor, add curtains, cushions, and tablecloths with these colours. Add candle holders and decorative trays in gold accents to give your home a luxe-traditional feel.
Rooms
The dining room is where all the deliciousness happens. For the best Onam setting, get a tablecloth with a vibrant colour like yellow or green. Add a small floral arrangement and use traditional banana leaves for dining. This will make your Onam feast feel even more special. Enhance your bedroom space with soothing cool shades, and consider incorporating fresh jasmine flowers on your bedside table. This will fill the room with a good fragrance, promoting a sense of relaxation.
If you have a balcony, add some string lights or lanterns to create a lovely extension of your Onam decor. You can also think of hanging flower garlands, and this will become the perfect spot for the Onam spirit with family.
Onam is all about togetherness and celebrating the beauty of life. Be it a traditional decor, contemporary or a blend of both, your home should make everyone feel warm and invited. These Onam decor ideas are all about creating your own personal touch and making it one to remember. If you want to further amp up the space, get the help of D’LIFE interior designers in Mumbai. An interior designer can help you bring Onam’s festive spirit alive in every corner of the home. Whether you prefer grand or subtle, an interior design team can help you create the perfect home you’ve always wanted and make the festival so special for you and your family.
As you prepare for Onam, have fun decorating, and make sure you enjoy every moment of it with your friends and family.
