• This photo feature tells about the significance of Onam and pictures of Onam performance – Kathak by Ved Institute of Performing Arts team. 

Kerala, an Indian state steeped in cultural richness, unity and traditions, is referred to as “God’s own country.” It is believed that Lord Parashurama (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), threw his axe into the sea, creating the land of Kerala. This belief of divine creation is rooted in Hindu tradition i.e. also reflected immensely in the local traditions and culture of people of the state. 

Festivals like ‘Onam’ not only manifests the celebration of the annual harvest but also serves as a tribute to the once great King Mahabali. For the people of Kerala, Mahabali or Raja Bali is remembered fondly as a benevolent asura king. He was the grandson of the great Prahalada who is said to have once ruled Kerala. It is believed that he returns to see his people every year, thereby making Onam a grand celebration in his honour. People decorate their homes with flower rangoli known as ‘Pookalam’, prepare the famous ‘Sadya’ feast, and enjoy ‘Vallamkali’, the popular snake boat race. Traditional folk dances such as Thiruvathira and Pulikali add colour to the celebrations.

‘OGC Malayali Roots’ is a cultural committee in Mumbai that has been organizing Onam celebration since 2016. The committee had a humble beginning. It was formed by a small group of Malayali residents of a building in Goregaon, Mumbai. Later, it transformed into a more refined body that it is today and has many committee members. Some of them are Shaina Michael (the original founder), Anto Chirayath and Asha Chirayath. Their motto is celebrating Onam every year is to create an awareness of this essentially Hindu festival.  

Ved Dance Company (VDC), a Mumbai based professional performance troupe, was approached by the committee to perform because OGC wanted external talented artists. Since then VDC has performed at their event every year. VDC has also earned few accolades such as ‘Best Dance Company Asia’ and  participated in many events like ONGC, G20 events, WOW awards Asia, to name a few. 

The troupe comprised of established artists such as actor Aadesh Aale who has performed in over 300 Marathi songs/serials and been part of events such as Krishna Leela, Shiv Parvati vivah etc. He was accompanied by Chandrakant Mane. The participating female kathak dancers were Madhu Kamble, Ridhima Prasad, Khushi Gala, and Nyana Soningra. The dance effort was spearheaded by VDC Founder and Director, Guru Aditi Yadav.

Since Lord Vishnu is highly revered in Kerala, it was decided by Guruji that homage be paid in the most beautiful way – by telling the story of ‘Dashavatara’ (Ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) through the expressive art of Kathak. 

To captivate the attention of the younger audiences, latest upbeat songs were included for a semi-classical presentation of Samudra Manthan (ocean churning of the ocean by devas and asuras) wherein Goddess Lakshmi re-emerges from the ocean and reunites with Lord Vishnu. The crowd enjoyed this unique presentation. Their happiness knew no bounds seeing Goddess Lakshmi re-emerge from the crowd and onto the stage.

Next, we presented a small shloka or vandana Shantakaram in worship of Lord Vishnu. It praised his magnificence, beauty and greatness.

The finale was the presentation of ‘Dashavatara’ with the depiction of all the ten great avatars of Lord Vishnu.

The ten incarnations depicted were-

Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Tortoise), Varaha (Boar), Narasimha (half man half lion), Vamana (Dwarf), Parashurama (Warrior Sage), Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki (the Future Redeemer).

This also consisted of the sub-story of Raja Bali with Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu that forms the very basis of Onam. Over all it was very inclusive of the finer themes related to the festival.

The performance left the audience in awe and they were spellbound by the dramatic portrayal of each Avatara within a larger narrative. Various colourful props were used and the dancers were an epitome of perfection and grace. The recital was not only an artistic rendition of our vibrant culture but also an initiative towards keeping Hindu traditions alive, inculcating curiosity in the younger generations towards our rich heritage and imbibing the values of dharma.    

“Dharma is the eternal path of righteousness and one's natural, selfless duty (svadharma) performed without attachment to results for the good of all beings.” – Shri Krishna 

To see pictures of performance

Written by senior student Ridhima Prasad (Kathak Visharad from Ved Institute of Performing Arts)

To see VIDEO of Onam celebration event – 5.10 minutes 

To read all articles on Indian Dance Forms

Also read

1. A Deep Dive into the Hindu Festival of Onam

2. Why is Onam celebrated in Kerala