India is a culturally rich and diverse country that celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. One such festival that is extremely popular in the Southern state of Kerala is Onam, which is celebrated throughout the state by people belonging to different communities and religions. Due to its auspicious nature, Onam represents a good time to undertake new activities like buying land or constructing homes. Keep reading to explore the Onam meaning and its significance, traditions that shape it and understand why this festive season is a good time for you to begin the construction of your dream home or building project.
About Onam Festival: What Is It?
Onam is an annual festival celebrated largely in the state of Kerala and by the Malayali community across the world. Typically occurring in August or September (end of the monsoon), this festival marks the harvest season and is celebrated as the beginning of the New Year by a diverse range of communities here. This year, Onam is being celebrated on the 5th of September.
Significance/History/ Meaning of Onam Celebration
As per Hindu legends, Mahabali or Bali was a king who ruled over Kerala and other Southern states, leading to their immense progress and ensuring the well-being of residents. However, being the king of the Asuras (demons), he defeats Indra (the king of the Deities). This leads to Lord Vishnu taking on the avatar of Vamana (the dwarf Brahmin) to defeat Bali. Impressed by Mahabali’s devotion and love for his subjects, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon to return once every year and visit his people. This annual return of King Mahabali is celebrated as Onam, symbolizing the values of equality, prosperity, and togetherness.
Onam Traditions
Some of the common elements that shape the festival celebrations are:
- Onam Pookalam: Consisting of flower petals arranged in circular patterns on the floor, Onam pookalam designs are crucial markers of the festival and adorn the entrances of homes.
- Onasadya: This is a traditional feast served on banana leaves and consists of popular vegetarian Onam special dishes from Kerala, such as sambar, aviyal, payasam and dishes made with banana.
- Onathappan: These are small hand-sculpted clay figurines with a pyramidical form and depict Lord Vamana in the festival celebrations.
- Pulikali: A traditional folk dance performed on streets by men who paint themselves to resemble tigers.
- Onam Flowers: Flowers arranged around lamps, in small water containers and as garlands are used to beautify homes.
- Other Onam Decoration Items: Wall hangings, sculptures, banana and coconut leaves and terracotta lamps form the decoration for Onam and create a festive atmosphere.
Why is Onam a Good Time to Start Building a Home?
The period around Onam can be a good time to begin construction projects for several reasons, including:
Auspicious Beginnings
The Onam festival marks a period when families and communities gather in Kerala to celebrate in unison. Since many people visit the state from abroad, significant decisions like buying land and initiating construction projects by meeting architects and contractors can be taken at this time. It is also believed that beginning or undertaking new activities during this period can bring prosperity and good tidings, emphasising the spiritual and sentimental value that the festival holds.
Good Weather Conditions
September typically marks the end of the monsoon season in India. Due to moist and naturally compacted soil conditions, foundations can be laid more easily during and after this time. The retreating rains also imply that building projects can proceed without delays. This means that if one completes the land buying/ registration, bhumi puja (if required) and other such processes around the Onam time, construction can begin a few days/ weeks after that and proceed smoothly without obstructions.
Labour Availability
During the monsoon season, the construction industry generally faces a lag in building activities (especially excavation, foundation and concreting processes) as these are hampered by continuous rains. However, from September (the Onam period), different stages of construction generally resume at a quicker pace. This means that labourers are also actively looking for work during this time (since they would have been largely unemployed during the monsoon), thus making it easier for builders to find skilled labourers and employ them at competitive rates.
Festive Offers
Many real estate developers offer discounts, flexible payment schedules and other such benefits during festivals like Onam. Various leading Indian banks also offer home loans for construction and renovation at lower interest rates, reduced EMIs and larger loan values during this period. For example, Bajaj Finserv is offering mortgage loans at lower EMIs and competitive interest rates to mark this festive season. Such benefits allow users to buy land and construct or renovate homes with lower investments.
Avoiding the Year-End Inflated Demand
Diwali, Navratri/Dussehra and Christmas are generally occasions when numerous people undertake new activities, creating an increased demand for building projects during this time, which can also lead to higher costs of materials as well as labour. Contractors and builders may also have an increased demand and charge higher rates during this season. Starting a project during Onam can avoid such issues and help property owners avoid paying inflated charges during the last quarter of the year.
Choosing Brick & Bolt for Home Construction
Several companies provide attractive Onam offers to mark the festival. Brick & Bolt, a leading construction company in India, also includes such offers in its building packages, which are designed to execute projects at the lowest prices. With 470+ quality checks and 11000+ customisable floor plans, the company assures customers of top-notch quality in their custom-built projects. This festive season, choose Brick & Bolt for your home or commercial construction needs and begin your project on an auspicious note!
Apoorva H P Achar 
Hemali Patel