Reimagining Onam: Caste Dynamics and Community Resistance in Kerala’s Cultural Landscape

Onam, the celebrated festival in Kerala, undergoing a transformation marked by shifting caste dynamics and evolving community assertions. Traditionally rooted in the egalitarian reign of King Mahabali, Onam’s narrative has evolved, reflecting Brahminical influences and upper-caste traditions. Marginalized communities, notably Dalits and Adivasis, critique this transformation, challenging the festival’s newfound symbolism of exclusion and betrayal. The contested celebration of Onam becomes a platform for marginalized communities to contest historical hierarchies and assert their identities. The representation of a dark-skinned Mahabali emerges as a powerful tool for cultural reappropriation, enabling marginalized groups to reshape narratives and contest existing power structures. As Onam unfolds annually, it becomes a contested symbol of societal change and an ongoing struggle for inclusion and equality. The critical examination calls for a nuanced understanding, acknowledging the diverse experiences and histories shaping Kerala’s vibrant identity.