Why Christians Should Not Celebrate Onam

 Why Christians Should Not Celebrate Onam

 Onam is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. Marked by colourful flower decorations, feasts, traditional dances, boat races, and cultural festivities, Onam is widely viewed as a celebration of Kerala’s rich heritage and unity. However, for Bible-believing Christians, participating in Onam poses a serious spiritual dilemma. While it may appear as a cultural celebration on the surface, the festival is deeply rooted in pagan mythology, cantered around the worship of King Mahabali, a demonic figure within Hindu belief systems.

As Christians, we are called to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world that are contrary to God’s Word. This article explores the origins and spiritual implications of the Onam festival and provides biblical insight into why Christians should refrain from participating in it.

1. The Pagan Origins of Onam and the Worship of Mahabali

To understand why Christians should not celebrate Onam, we must first understand what Onam actually commemorates.

The Myth of Mahabali

Onam is based on a Hindu mythological story involving a powerful Asura (demon) king named Mahabali. According to the myth, Mahabali was a benevolent ruler who brought prosperity and happiness to his people. However, he was also a worshipper of demons, and being an Asura, he belonged to a race of beings that stood in opposition to the Devas (gods) in Hindu cosmology.

The story goes that Mahabali became so powerful that he threatened the position of the gods. In response, Lord Vishnu, a principal Hindu deity, incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and tricked Mahabali into surrendering his kingdom. Pleased with Mahabali’s humility, Vishnu granted him the boon of returning once a year to visit his people. Onam marks this annual visit.

While the story paints Mahabali as a virtuous and generous king, the core issue is that he is a deified figure within a pagan myth, who is honoured and welcomed during Onam. This is not merely a cultural homage—it is, at its root, a spiritual act of reverence toward a figure that the Bible would classify as demonic.

Honoring a False Spirit

The Bible is clear that behind every idol or false god is a demonic power: "No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons." – 1 Corinthians 10:20 (NKJV)

By welcoming Mahabali, lighting lamps, offering flower carpets (pookkalam), and participating in rituals that honour his return, people—even unknowingly—are participating in the spiritual homage of a pagan figure. The act of celebrating Onam becomes not just cultural, but a form of syncretism, where pagan worship is blended with Christian identity, something Scripture consistently warns against. "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them... and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’"
– Deuteronomy 12:30 (NKJV)

 This command from God to the Israelites was to keep them pure in their worship, and not to imitate the practices of the surrounding nations—even if those practices appeared noble or appealing. The same principle applies today. Cultural relevance should never come at the cost of spiritual compromise.

Onam's Ritualistic Elements

 Some argue that modern Onam celebrations are merely cultural and no longer religious. But the core symbolism remains the same. The songs, stories, plays (Onakkalikal), and even the grand Onasadya (feast) are often preceded by invocations of Mahabali’s spirit and portray his return as a time of blessing.

Many homes erect images or effigies of Mahabali, some even place a throne with his likeness to symbolically welcome him. Whether or not one consciously prays to Mahabali, the participation in such rituals can be considered as honouring a false deity, which Scripture warns against. "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image... you shall not bow down to them nor serve them." – Exodus 20:3–5 (NKJV)

God is a jealous God, not in the insecure human sense, but in the righteous sense of desiring exclusive worship from His people. Celebrating a festival that reveres a demon king—even in the guise of culture—violates this exclusivity.

2. The Christian’s Call to Holiness and Separation

For Christians in Kerala and around the world, the challenge of balancing cultural identity with biblical obedience is real. Kerala’s social fabric is closely intertwined with Onam, and choosing not to celebrate it can bring social criticism, isolation, or even misunderstanding within families and communities. Yet, Scripture consistently reminds believers that we are not of this world (John 17:16), and our ultimate allegiance is to Christ—not culture.

Holiness is Separation

To be holy means to be set apart. God repeatedly called His people in both the Old and New Testaments to be distinct from the nations around them. Christians are called to reflect God’s character, not the patterns of the world. "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

 This call to separation does not mean isolation, but discernment. It means not participating in traditions, festivals, or rituals that have pagan, idolatrous, or demonic roots—even if the culture around us has normalized them.

 Many early Christians refused to participate in Roman festivals, gladiator games, or feasts to Caesar—not because they weren’t entertaining, but because participation symbolized compromise with false worship. The same principle applies today.

A Faithful Witness

 Choosing not to celebrate Onam is not an act of hatred or cultural rejection. Rather, it is a powerful witness of loyalty to Christ alone. It opens opportunities to lovingly share why Christians choose to worship the living God and not blend His truth with myths and idols. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." – Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)

 Being a light means standing firm in truth, even when it’s unpopular. In a state like Kerala—where cultural expectations are strong—refusing to participate in Onam requires courage. But it also provides clarity, both to fellow believers and non-believers, about where our hope and allegiance lie.

Replace, Don’t Just Reject

 Rather than merely avoiding Onam, Christians can focus on celebrating God's appointed times or creating Christ-cantered gatherings that emphasize thanksgiving, generosity, and community—without any ties to false worship.

 For instance, many Christians around the world have found value in learning from the biblical feasts—not as a legalistic obligation, but as a way to remember God’s works, celebrate His redemption, and teach their children His truths.

 Final Thoughts

 While Onam may be seen by many as a cultural tradition that promotes joy, unity, and heritage, Christians must discern what spirit lies behind the celebration. The honoring of Mahabali—a demonic figure within Hindu mythology—is fundamentally incompatible with the exclusive worship of Jesus Christ.

 Scripture does not allow for a middle ground. We are either worshiping in truth or participating in deception. Festivals rooted in pagan or demonic myths, no matter how festive they appear on the surface, are not spiritually neutral. "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons." – 1 Corinthians 10:21 (NKJV)

 For the Christian, Christ is not just Savior—He is Lord. That means He defines our worship, our celebrations, and our traditions. As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we must allow it to shape even the most deeply rooted cultural practices. By choosing to honour God above cultural pressure, Christians in Kerala and beyond can walk in purity, be a light to others, and ensure that their worship remains holy and pleasing to the one true God.