| A very interesting legendary story is also associated with the festival of Onam. God Indra, the son of Kashyapa and Aditi was defeated in a war with Mahabali, the King of Asuras. Seeing the plight of her son, Aditi wailed with grief and pain. Kashyapa asked her to observe the ritual of Payovrata, which had to be started with the twelfth night of the half Karthika. She observed all the rituals pure heartedly. Appeased from her devotion, Lord Narayana appeared before Aditi and promised to help her. He ascended on earth through Aditi's womb to help Indra. Vamana Murti, the incarnation of Lord Narayana ultimately did justice to God Indra.
The aforementioned story enriches the meaning of Onam all the more. On the ninth day of the gala of Onam, the idols of sticky clay are made and are painted red. They are placed on the house after a thorough cleansing and decorations. They are called as 'Trikkakra Appam'. The next day, which is the actual day of jubilations, people wear new clothes and present their loved ones with gifts. |
