Onam Story for Kids

By Priyanka A R
“Saadhu, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be in the sea?”

“Öye Motu, Will you be in the sea or on the beach?”

Children were chatting incessantly on the train. They were thrilled about going to the sandy beaches of Kerala and making sand castles. With any luck, they may even see crabs on the shore.

“You will see the sunset. By and by every ray of light will be taken by the sea.” The old man sitting next to them added, without taking his eyes off the magazine he was reading.

“I know Kerala is a beautiful place.  Ammi told me all about it,” whispered Saadhu.

“Not just the beaches, there is so much more,” hushed the old man back, now smiling at both the kids.

“Saadhu has a friend who celebrates Onam.”

“Yes, I have and I know about ‘Onasadya’ and a King who was made to go to hell.”

“Ahh, Yes, Mahabali and the right word is ‘Paathaalam.
He continued. 

“ Have you heard of Vallamkali-the famous boat race? Years ago, when I was a boy, I went to watch it. On the 5th day of Onam, hundreds of oarsmen on a single ‘Vallom’ start the race; each vallom (Snake boat) is decorated with garlands, ornamental umbrellas and colourful flags. Vanchippaattu i.e. boat song heard in the background, every single soul in high spirits.

Kuttanaadan punjayile

Thithai thakathaithaithom.”

I remember children of my age remained in the water of river Pamba for a closer watch of the race.”

“Ohh..then you should know how to swim.”

“Yes, and that is how you can enjoy the race, away from the crowd. After the race, you have ‘Vallasadya’-the boat feast, with more than 60 delicacies.”

“On the long banana leaf?”

“Correct.”

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“That sounds incredible, Ammi can cook up to 10 dishes, I guess.”

He smiled. “The boatmen ask for each dish in the form of a song, and all the dishes are served to them.”

“I will ask for kheer, which song Dadu?”

“Well, I don’t remember that, I was just 10 years old then.”

“I will think of a song by myself, then.  Good night Ji.”

“Good night children.”

The lights were switched off. But two pairs of eyes remained open. Saadhu and Motu could not sleep with all the excitement.

“Dadu, say something more about it.”

“Is that you Saadhan, let Dada sleep,” Ammi said softly.

“That’s okay, I will tell you more about the swing suspended high from a  jackfruit tree, tomorrow. We sang Onam songs and everyone takes turns to be on the swing. We were young and happy, beaming with energy.” 

The old man reflected for a moment. “Sweet dreams, children.”

Kids closed their eyes, their smiling faces gleamed in the moonlight as they listened to the gentle sound of the train wheels clattering.

Explore our Kids’ Onam Collection here.