Welcome to the radiant celebration of Onam, a cherished festival from the heart of Kerala! As a festival specialist astrologer, I'm delighted to guide you through this vibrant occasion. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by Malayalis around the world.
It honors the legendary King Mahabali and welcomes him back to Kerala with colorful floral carpets, known as Pookalam, and sumptuous feasts. From traditional dances like Kathakali to thrilling boat races, Onam is a time of joy, unity, and cultural richness.
Ten days are dedicated to the celebrations, with various rituals associated with each day. People get up early to celebrate the occasion by taking morning baths, giving their homes a thorough cleaning, decorating with lights and flowers, making Pookalam, preparing Onam Sadhya with seasonal vegetables, and using rice flour batter to paint elaborate designs on their front doors. A significant component of Onam celebrations is Onam Sadhya, also known as Onasadya, which consists of around 26 dishes that are made with the assistance of the entire family and eaten with the hands on a banana leaf.
In addition, during the Onam festivities, individuals dress in new outfits and give jewelry and traditional attire as gifts to loved ones. Boys like Pattu Pavada, women wear Kasavu saree, and men buy mundu. People like participating in other traditional events like Pulikali, which is a tableau including actors dressed as tigers and hunters, Vallamkali, a boat racing, Onakalikal, and archery during Onam.
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Atham | September 1, 2024 | Sunday |
| Chithira | September 2, 2024 | Monday |
| Chodhi | September 3, 2024 | Tuesday |
| Vishakam | September 4, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Anizham | September 5, 2024 | Thursday |
| Thriketa | September 6, 2024 | Friday |
| Moolam | September 7, 2024 | Saturday |
| Pooradam | September 8, 2024 | Sunday |
| Uthradam | September 9, 2024 | Monday |
| Thiruvonam | September 10, 2024 | Tuesday |
During Onam festival puja, families create intricate flower carpets called Pookalam outside their homes. They also prepare a grand feast called Onasadya with various traditional dishes. The puja begins with offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, thanking him for the bountiful harvest. Families then gather to share the Onasadya together, fostering unity and joyous celebrations.
On Onam, chanting the sacred mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" holds profound significance, invoking the divine presence of Lord Krishna. This mantra resonates with spiritual energy, fostering inner peace and harmony while connecting devotees with the divine consciousness.
During Onam, chanting the mantra "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" brings peace and harmony to the festivities, invoking blessings for all. Chanting mantras in general helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote inner peace. It's like a soothing melody for the soul, guiding us towards happiness and spiritual fulfillment in our lives.
Mahabali and the asuras are sent to the netherworld, and Indra is given back control of the three worlds (Patala). But Vamana granted Mahabali's one wish to visit his country once a year after seeing how much a ruler cares for his subjects. Kerala celebrates this homecoming of Mahabali annually as Onam.
Thiruvonam is the highlight of the Onam festival, marking the end of the 10-day celebrations. Families prepare the grand Onam Sadhya feast, create pookalam (floral designs), and enjoy traditional games and cultural activities. It is a day of unity, prosperity, and cultural heritage.
Thiruvonam is called the 28th day of Onam because it falls on the 28th nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Chingam. This day, symbolizing completeness, is believed to be the homecoming of King Mahabali, representing prosperity and harmony. The 28th day holds immense cultural and religious significance in Onam celebrations.
Onam celebrates the legend of King Mahabali, a just and benevolent ruler. The gods, fearing his growing power, sought Lord Vishnu's help. Vishnu, as the dwarf Brahmin Vamana, asked Mahabali for three paces of land. Expanding to a cosmic size, Vishnu covered the earth and heavens in two strides. For the third, Mahabali offered his head. Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali an annual visit to his kingdom, celebrated as Onam.
Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, symbolizes King Mahabali's yearly visit to Kerala. On this day, people celebrate with grand feasts (Onam Sadhya), floral decorations (pookalam), and cultural activities to welcome the beloved king. Thiruvonam embodies joy, unity, and the prosperity of Mahabali's golden era.
Harvest-themed Onam celebration honors the return of the mythical King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated in late August or early September, when the entire state of Kerala is decorated with lights and Athapookkalam. Of all the legends surrounding Onam, the most well-known and captivating is the one about King Mahabali.
Keralans attach a lot of religious significance to Onam. By means of this festival, people express their appreciation to the earth for providing a bountiful crop. For the health and longevity of their family members, they pray to Lord Vamana and their adored King Mahabali.
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