[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Onam is the most revered and celebrated festival of Kerala. It is symbolic of King Mahabali’s annual home-coming as well as celebrates the Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu. This ten day long festival brings in the best of festive spirit among the people of Kerala and is celebrated with much splendor.
When is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated on the day of Thiruvonam nakshatram (Shravana asterism) in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam
If one follow old traditions and honour the adage ‘Atham 10 Onam’, Onam starts from Atham (Hasta) nakshatram, the first day of onam and ends on Thiruvonam (Shravana) nakshatram – the most important day of Onam festivities, thus making it a 10 day celebration.
Onam 2022: Date and Time
Onam 2022 Date : 8’th September, 2022
Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins : 7’th September, 2022 – 04:00 PM
Thiravonam Nakshatra Ends 8’th : September, 2022 – 01:46 PM
Onam 2022: Onam is the most awaited and religious festival of Kerala. It is
symbolic of King Mahabali’s annual homecoming. This ten day long famous
festival brings the happiness and prosperity among people of Kerala and they
celebrate this harvesting festival with much splendor and enthusiasm. This year,
Onam festival has begun on 30th August, 2022 and it will end on 8th September,
2022.
According to Malyalam Calender, Onam is celebrated in the beginning of
Chingam which is the first month of Kollavarsham. Various festivities and cultural
activities are held at various places in Kerala with great grandeur.
Onam 2022: Story
According to the Hindu Scriptures, King Mahabali was a great, generous ruler of
Kerala. In his reign, the kingdom grew prosperous and peaceful. Everyone were
happy and everyone used to love their King. Devtas (gods of heaven) sent Lord
Vishnu to end the rule of Mahabali on the earth. Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana
Avatar and asked for three feet of land from Mahabali.
Rituals of Onam
Onam is the rice harvest festival of Kerala. All the ten days of celebration of Onam has its own significance.
The characteristic floral designs known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival. Usually women members of the house make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps to invite King Mahabali to their house. People gift and wear new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’.
Grand feasts are prepared on this occasion. This is known as ‘onam sadya’. Usually around 13 dishes are prepared for this. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
Vallamkali or boat race, especially of Snake boats, is an event associated with Onam and is a grand event in Kerala these days. Huge snake shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other. Huge amounts of cash rewards are distributed as prizes for the winners.
Elephants decorated with ornaments are characteristic of Onam processions.
Thrikkakara appan (Onathappan) or Vaman Vishnu idols are installed at homes for worship.
Different types of cultural activities mark the celebration of Onam which include the traditional Kathakali dance, music, art and cuisine.
Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen commonly during Onam performing Pulikali dance. This time of the year is declared as the Tourism week in Kerala as this is the best time to visit the state.
Onam is of special importance as it unites people of all religions residing in the state. It spreads the message of unity and peace in society.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
