The auspicious festival of Onam is a ten day long festival that is celebrate across Kerala. It is one of the biggest festivals of Kerala. The festival is being celebrate on the day of Shravana asterism (Thiruvonam nakshatram) in the Malayalam calendar or kolla varsham month of Chingam.
The festival is being celebrate with great pomp and enthusiasm among the Malayalis.
Date of Onam
As per the old traditions, Onam starts from Atham nakshatram (first day of festival) and ends on Thiruvonam nakshatram (last day).
If you follow the English calendar, then Onam generally falls in late August or early September.
In 2022, the ‘Onam’ will be observe on 30th August, 2022 and will end on 8th September, 2022.
History and Significance of Onam
As per the mythology, King Mahabali was a great ruler of Kerala.
King Mahabali was famous for his good behaviour.
During his time, the people witness the best of times, peace, prosperity everywhere.
So, to end his reign on earth, Lord Vishnu took Vamana (short Brahmin), his fifth incarnation, to defeat him.
When King Mahabali ask Brahmin about what gift he desire,
Vamana request him as much land as he could cover in three steps.
Vamana the takes giant form and covers whole Earth in two steps and asks where to put his 3rd step.
King Mahabali offers his forehead.
So, King Mahabali was sent to a patala or netherworld before being grant a boon that he could visit his land once every year.
This festival symbolizes the annual homecoming of king Mahabali.
Many cultural programs and activities are organise during this festival.
Rituals of Onam
Onam is a rice harvest festival.
During this 10-day long festival, the people use to wake up early in the morning and wore new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’.
The women members of the house make different types of floral designs, known as ‘pookkalam’.
Around 13 dishes are prepare for this festival known as ‘Onam Sadya’.
There is a sweet dish call as ‘payasam’ which is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
On this day, the food is serve on banana leaves.
Kerala govt is working on a plan to bring back festivities to the streets and homes with various art forms and carnivals after two years of restrictions due to COVID-19 Pandemic.
