Onam is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is the biggest and most important Hindu festival celebrated in the state. It is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was the beloved king of the region. Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by people of all ages and backgrounds.
History of Onam
Onam is believed to have originated in the Vedic period of ancient India. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached King Mahabali to ask for three steps of land. King Mahabali, being a generous and noble king, granted his wish and Lord Vishnu, in his true form, measured the entire universe with two steps and placed his third step on the king’s head, pushing him to the underworld.
The festival of Onam is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who visits his people during the festival. This legend is celebrated in the form of the Onam festival, which is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over the state.
When to Celebrate Onam
Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar. It usually falls in the months of August or September according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated for ten days and the main day of the festival is Thiruvonam, which is the tenth day. In 2023 ,it will be celebrated from 20th August to 31st August.
Significance of Onam
Onam is a festival that celebrates the return of King Mahabali to his people. It is a time of joy and celebration, when people come together to celebrate the homecoming of their beloved king. It is also a time of thanksgiving, when people thank their gods for the blessings and prosperity they have received.
Onam is also a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. People dress up in traditional attire, prepare special dishes, and enjoy a variety of cultural activities. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
How to Celebrate Onam
Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over the state. People dress up in traditional attire, prepare special dishes, and enjoy a variety of cultural activities.
The first day of the festival is known as Atham and it marks the beginning of the festival. People decorate their homes with colorful flowers and leaves, which is known as ‘Athapookalam’. People also play games such as tug of war and snake boat races.
The second day of the festival is known as Chithira and it marks the beginning of the ten-day celebrations. People make offerings to the gods and goddesses and prepare special dishes.
The third day of the festival is known as Vishakam and it is a day of feasting and merrymaking. People prepare special dishes and enjoy a variety of cultural activities.
The fourth day of the festival is known as Anizham and it marks the beginning of the grand celebrations. People decorate their homes and prepare special dishes.
The fifth day of the festival is known as Thrikketta and it is a day of feasting and merrymaking. People prepare special dishes and enjoy a variety of cultural activities. The famous boat race is also starts on this day.
The sixth day of the festival is known as Moolam and it marks the beginning of the grand celebrations. People decorate their homes and prepare special dishes.
The seventh day of the festival is known as Pooradam and it is a day of feasting and merrymaking. People prepare special dishes and enjoy a variety of cultural activities.
The eighth day of the festival is known as Uthradam and it marks the beginning of the grand celebrations. People decorate their homes and prepare special dishes.The idol of Lord Mahabali is installed at home.
The ninth day of the festival is known as Thiruvonam and it is the main day of the festival. Lord Mahabali enters Kerala on this day. People prepare special dishes and enjoy a variety of cultural activities.
The tenth day of the festival is known as Avittam and it marks the end of the festival. People bid farewell to King Mahabali and prepare special dishes.
Summary
Onam is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was the beloved king of the region. Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is celebrated in the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar. People dress up in traditional attire, prepare special dishes, and enjoy a variety of cultural activities. Onam is a time of joy and celebration, when people come together to celebrate the homecoming of their beloved king. You can explore other festivals such as Paryushan and Jitiya.