Onam festival starts the return of a mythical, righteous king – King Mahabali, and brings together communities across the landscape in unified festivities that are unheard of across the planet. Onam brings together various colors and flavors from across God’s Own Country, and the celebrations reach their peak on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam. Households are decorated with exquisite floral carpets (Pookkalam), traditional art forms and games are seen everywhere, and homes are cleaned and flawlessly maintained. One can see elaborate lavish feasts (Onasadya) served in every home, with the dinner finishing with delicious payasam (Kerala dessert), ensuring that the word of oneness and hope is spread far and wide.
Onam originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which refers to one of the 27 Nakshatras or constellations. In South India, Thiru is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that Thiruvonam is the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.
Onam is observed to honor the homecoming of a mythical-demon king Mahabali. Mahabali was a demon, but he was known for being generous and kind-hearted. Gods were very insecure about the demon king’s popularity, so they asked for help from Lord Vishnu. As Mahabali worshipped Lord Vishnu, Vishnu told Gods that he would aid them but did not involve in a battle with Mahabali.
Lord Vishnu transformed into a poor dwarf Brahmin called Vamana and went to Mahabali’s kingdoms, asking for three wishes. He asked Mahabali for property right over a piece of land that measured ‘three paces.’ Mahabali agreed to fulfill Vamana’s desire.
Date & Tithi
Thiruvonam is on Sunday, September 15, 2024
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins: in (New_York).
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends: in (New_York).
To know the tithi, click here
Why is Pongal Festival celebrated?
Vamana set to grow in size, and his first feet covered the Earth and his second feet covered the sky. After that, for the third foot, no place was left, and then Mahabali requested Vamana to place the third foot on his head, thus, burying himself in the underworld. However, after seeing the devotion of Mahabali, Lord Vishnu was dazzled and told him that he could return to Earth once every year to visit his people and his kingdom during Onam. And so, every year during this period, the Onam festival is celebrated.
Onam Festival: Celebrations
Several traditional customs are performed, like Snake boat races, Kaazhchakkula, Onappottan, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali, etc., by a lavish feast called ‘Sadhya.’ People cook delicacies and serve them on banana leaves with a cup of Payasam. People make the carpet of flowers known as ‘Pookkalam’ and lay it in front of their house to welcome King Mahabali.
People perform traditional dances, games, and music at the festival called Onakalikal. A nine-course meal, Onasadya, contains many dishes like rice, sambar, rasam, and avail. They served on Thiruvonam, the primary day of celebrations.
Onam festival’s ten days are the following
- Atham
To celebrate the coming of King Mahabali, people accessorize their houses with yellow flowers and make Pookalam (flower rangoli). A new layer of flowers is added after each passing day.
- Chithira
The second day is usually deep cleaning houses and ensuring everything is clean and tidy. They also add one more layer of flower in Pookalam or flower rangoli. This day is highly auspicious for buying fresh vegetables, fruits, and other provisions.
- Chodi
On day three, people buy gold, clothes, and gifts to commemorate Onam. People gift new clothes, also called Onakodi, to one another.
- Vishakam
Vishakam is the fourth day and marks the start of Onam Sadhya. Families start the arrangement for the Sadhya. The number of items differs from family to family, but usually, families make 26 food items.
- Anizham
Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali, also called snake boat, starts on the fifth day and is a traditional river boat festival in Kerala. This marks the start of the Vallamkali snake boat race.
- Thriketa
Thriketa is the sixth day of Onam. The office goers, school children, and college students get off as Onam begins full swing. The Pookalam gets larger after every passing day.
- Moolam
Moolam is the seventh day of the Onam festival when Families and relatives visit each other, and temples start serving Sadhyas. People enjoy traditional art forms like Kaikottikali and Puli Kali (leopard masquerade dance).
- Pooradam
On the 8th day, idols of Mahabali and Vamana are taken around the house and placed in the center of Pookalam.
- Uthradom
It is firmly believed that King Mahabali reaches the state on the 9th day. Hence, the festivities and the vitality begins. Uthradom is the most auspicious day, so people start buying fresh vegetables and cooking traditional meals.
- Thiruvonam
On the 10th day, people clean their homes, apply rice flour batter on the main gate, dress in traditional clothes, saree, and veshti (dhoti) and enjoy the Sadhya feast. People get together, play games, do activities, celebrate, and dance.
Onam festival: Events
Pookkalam: The people make several rangolis with the help of flowers and lay in front of their houses. With the day’s passing during the Onam festival, a new layer of flowers is added to the Pookkalam. Even in some places, Pookkalam competitions are held.
Onasadya: On a primary day, the Thiruonam Onasadya meal is cooked and served on a Banana leaf. It is a nine-course meal that comprises at least four to five vegetables. Most families cook nine to 13 dishes for the Onasadya. Many restaurants over there offer thirty food dishes for the Onasadya.
Onakalikal: The term refers to all the games played at the festival of Onam. Women take part in making Pookkalam and also perform several traditional dances. Talappanthukali is a sport played with a ball that is a very well-known game of men. Men also play archery or Ambeyyal.
Vallamkali Boat Race: It is also called the snake boat race. Race is the most famous among people over there. In a boat riding contest, around 100 boatmen compete with each other. In various patterns, people adorn the boats beautifully. Even a lot of people visit the city to observe this race.
Folk Dances: Women carry out folk dances, a festival’s major attraction. Kaikottikali is a clap dance carried out by women. While dancing, they praise King Mahabali. They also dance in a circle known as Thumbi Thullai.
Kerala represents authentic martial arts; therefore, Onathallu is a must-visit festival. Aside from this, men and women perform various acts and dances and sing enthusiastically.
So if you are visiting Kerala, this one season is the most lively and colorful time to visit the state as it exudes India’s great culture and exquisite food items.
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