Onam is a vibrant festival celebrated primarily in Kerala, India. After all, it is the biggest festival observed in Kerala. This marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The celebrations of the Onam festival last for ten days and showcase beautiful cultural traditions.
This blog will guide you on everything about Onam and its significance so that you can make your celebrations more meaningful.
Onam is observed on the day of Thiruvonam Nakshathram (Shravana Nakshatra) in the month of Chingam, as per the Malayalam calendar. When the Thiruvonam Nakshathram prevails during Chingam month, that is when this festival is celebrated. The celebration of Onam usually falls between late August and early September, as per the Gregorian calendar; it is celebrated for ten days.
According to age-old traditions, the Onam festival is supposed to start on the day of Atham (Hasta) Nakshathram, which is the first day of this festival, and end on Thiruvonam Nakshathram, the most significant day of Onam celebrations. Hence, this becomes a 10-day festival.
In 2024, the Onam festival will commence on 6th September 2024 (Friday) and continue till 17th September 2024 (Tuesday). The main festivity, i.e., Thiruvonam, will take place on 15th September 2024 (Sunday).
Thiruvonam- 15th September 2024 (Sunday)
Thiruvonam Nakshathram (Starts)- 08:32 PM, 14th September 2024 (Saturday)
Thiruvonam Nakshathram (Finishes)- 06:49 PM, 15th September 2024 (Sunday)
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Onam is a rice harvest festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala. It is observed with utmost joy and exuberance as it symbolizes the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It also commemorates the appearance of the revered Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. All the ten days of Onam have their own importance, and this festival is a time of happiness and prosperity, with celebrations lasting ten days and filled with traditional feasts and rituals.
According to the beliefs, the most common mythological tale associated with the festival is that of Asura King Mahabali, who was Lord Vishnu's devotee and a virtuous and kind ruler. Under his rule, the kingdom thrived. King Mahabali's fame rose, which made the Devas (Gods) jealous and enraged, especially as he was an Asura (demon). The Devas were afraid that they would lose their power, so they begged Lord Vishnu to help them stop him.
Due to the request, Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, visited King Mahabali. King Mahabali was doing ritualistic prayers to attain Lord Vishnu's grace. As an offering from the generous king, the Vamana avatar requested land, which could be covered in three steps, and King Mahabali granted the request. Vamana grew huge in size at the time of measuring, so he covered the entire universe in the first two steps. Since no more land was left, King Mahabali bowed and offered his head for the next step. Pleased with the king's generosity, Lord Vishnu blessed him and sent him to the netherworld. He also permitted him to visit his subjects once every year.
The incident is believed to have happened on Thiruvonam, and ever since then, people have waited for King Mahabali to return every year. This occasion is celebrated as Onam. On this day, the king is believed to visit every home to meet his subjects.
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The 10-day celebrations include celebratory acts showcasing Kerala's rich culture. The most common traditions and rituals associated with the Onam festival are given below.
The Onam celebrations are marked by intricate floral designs called "Pookkalam". Girls and women make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers to beautify their houses, courtyards, and temple premises. Lamps are also lit to invite King Mahabali to their abode. A miniature Pandal that looks like an umbrella is also added to the floral designs. Special prayers are also done at local temples.
Onakkodi, or new garments, is an important part of this festival. The tradition is to gift and wear new clothes to your loved ones. This is because it is believed that everyone should wear brand-new clothes to welcome King Mahabali.
The chosen Onam attire is the traditional white and gold Kasavu saree and Mundu with matching shirts for men. Womenfolk also wear aromatic Gajras in their hair.
A traditional feast called "Onam Sadya" is prepared. It is a vegetarian feast with an assortment of 26 to 28 dishes served on a banana leaf. The feast consists of rice, different dishes, pickles, and Papad. A sweet delicacy called 'Payasam' is also prepared. This meal must be eaten with your hands. The Onam Sadya symbolizes humility and equality and is a highlight of this festival.
"Vallamkali" is a highly anticipated snake boat race that is loved by all. This is a grand Onam event; one cannot celebrate this festival without it. The rowers row the boats and compete with each other. They row the boats while singing "Vachipaatu," or the boat song, to encourage each other and entertain the crowd during the boat race.
The Pulikali dance is a highly energetic dance form wherein special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen performing. The performers dance in procession to the thumping of traditional percussion instruments.
Various types of cultural performances mark the celebration of Onam. These include Thiruvathirakali, Kathakali, Kummattikali, Kaikottikali, Thumbi Thullal, Ottam Thullal, Onathallu, and many other cultural and traditional performances.
Elephants are decorated for the Onam processions.
People install the idols of Thrikkakara Appan (Onathappan) or the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu in their homes and worship him.
The entire state of Kerala is decorated with lights and flowers. During this time, people can visit Kerala to experience the culture, colorful art, traditional practices, and festive spirit associated with the festival.
Are you curious to know more about the Onam rituals? Consult the Astroyogi experts to ensure your celebrations align perfectly with the stars.
The Onam festival is a time to celebrate tradition and culture. By understanding its significance and rich traditions, you can enrich your celebrations.
May this Onam 2024 bring you happiness and prosperity.
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