Onam 2024 Date: Onam will begin on 6th September (Friday) and conclude on 17th September (Tuesday). The main day of Onam, or Thiruvonam, falls on 15th September (Sunday).
In the heart of "God's Own Country," where lush green landscapes meet serene backwaters and rich traditions, Onam stands out as one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals. This celebration is filled with Kerala's traditions and culturally rich customs, symbolizing the state's heritage and unity. Onam, known as the harvest festival, is observed in the month of Chingam, marking the beginning of the Malayalam calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, Onam falls in the months of August and September.
Significance of Onam
Onam holds a significant place in the hearts of Keralites due to its historical and mythological relevance. It is primarily a harvest festival, celebrating the yield of the land and the agrarian way of life. The festival is also deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, commemorating the homecoming of the benevolent King Mahabali.
Mythological Story
According to Hindu mythology, the Brahmin sage Prahlada had a grandson named Mahabali who conquered the three worlds by defeating the gods (Devas). In Vaishnavism, when the Devas asked Lord Vishnu for help against Mahabali, Vishnu refused because Mahabali was a good ruler and his devotee. After his victory, Mahabali performed a Yajna and had to grant any request.
Seizing this chance to test Mahabali's devotion, Vishnu appeared as a dwarf boy named Vamana. The king offered everything he could, but Vamana asked for only three pace of land. Surprised, Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew, covering the land and water with one foot and the sky with another. With nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali offered himself. Vamana then sent Mahabali to Pathala (hell) but impressed by his devotion, granted him a boon to visit his land once a year. This annual visit is celebrated as the festival of Onam. This festival lasts for 10 days with a blend of cultural events, traditional rituals, and communal harmony, marking the harvest season and the legendary return of King Mahabali.
Celebration and Traditions
Attachamayam
The festival begins with Athachamayam, a grand procession in Thrippunithura near Kochi, featuring decorated elephants, traditional art forms, musicians, and floats that depict scenes in Mahabaratha and Ramayana. This marks the beginning of the ten-day festivities.
Pookalam
One of the most visually appealing aspects of Onam is the Pookkalam, a floral carpet laid in front of homes. Each day, fresh flowers are added, creating intricate and colorful patterns. This tradition symbolizes prosperity and welcomes King Mahabali. Pookalam competitions are held across the state.
Onathappan
Onathappan or Thrikkakara Appan, is a clay figure symbolizing King Mahabali and Vamana. Placed in the center of the Pookkalam, it is worshipped throughout the festival, reinforcing the mythological significance of Onam.
Thiruvathirakali
This is a graceful dance performed by women in a circular formation around a lamp, signifying marital harmony and prosperity. Dressed in traditional attire, women sway to the rhythm of the Thiruvathira songs.
Kummattikali
Kummattikali, a dance most prevalent in the Thrissur district, features performers wearing heavily painted, colorful wooden masks depicting faces of Krishna, Narada, Kiratha, Darika, or hunters. The costumes are a fascinating aspect of Kummattikali, enhancing the vivid portrayal of these characters.
Pulikali
Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali or the lion Dance, is a traditional folk-art form of Kerala. Performed on the fourth day of Onam, it features dancers painting themselves in bright shades of yellow, red, and orange to resemble tigers. They dance to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments such as the Chenda, Thakil, and Udukku.
Vallamkali - The Famous Boat Race
The traditional snake boat race was held on the Pampa River. is a highlight of the Onam festival. It features a variety of boat races, including paddled longboats, snake boats, and other traditional vessels of Kerala. Vachipaatu, or the boat song, is sung during the boat races to entertain the crowd and motivate the rowers.
Onam sadhya - The Traditional Feast
The highlight of Onam is the grand feast known as Onamsadhya. Served on banana leaves, this elaborate meal reflects the spirit of Onam with a variety of traditional dishes including Rice, Sambar, Chips, Sharkara Varatti, Injipuli, Pappadam, Avial, Olan, Pickle, Dal, Thoran, Ghee, Rasam, Pulisseri, Erissery, Pachadi, Coconut Chutney, Moru, and concludes with a sweet, savory Payasam. It epitomizes the culinary richness of Kerala and is a communal activity bringing families together.
How to Celebrate at Home?
- Clean your house the day before the Onam and create a pookalam (flower mat) using flowers like marigolds, roses, and Mandarai flowers
- Decorate with flower garlands and traditional Kerala lamps.
- Make a flower rangoli to welcome King Mahabali.
- Create an Onathappan with clay symbolizing King Mahabali and place it in the center of the Pookkalam.
- Light diyas, oil lamps, and scented candles in the evening to brighten your home.
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear traditional clothes.
- Women often wear white sarees with golden thread borders; men wear white dhotis with golden thread borders.
- On the final day of Onam, visit a temple or city to watch a fireworks display.
- Prepare Onam Sadhya, the traditional feast, and serve on banana leaves with various vegetarian dishes. Enjoy the feast with family and friends.
Onam 2024 promises to be a time of joy, tradition, and communal harmony. As Keralites around the world come together to celebrate, the essence of Onam – the spirit of equality, prosperity, and the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali – continues to thrive, bridging the past and the present in a grand spectacle of cultural heritage.