When is Onam 2024
- Onam/Date (2024)
- Fri, 6 Sept, 2024 – Sun, 15 Sept, 2024
- Thiruvonam Onam ( 15 September 2024)
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| When is Onam |
Rituals of Onam
Atham Day (Day 1)
- Pookalam: The festival commences on Atham which is the first day of Onam. On this day you are required to spread out Pookalam (a flower carpet) in front of your house. The Pookalam is small in size when it begins on Atham. However, it becomes larger and more intricate until the end of the gala.
- Vishukkani: In the days preceding Onam, people clean their houses and decorate them with more intricate Pookalams in anticipation of Mahabali’s coming.
- Cultural Performances: Several cultural events take place during these days among which are traditional dances such as Kaikottikali, Thiruvathirakali, and Pulikali (tiger dance). Besides this music and dance competitions are held too.
- Onakalikal: Onakalikal are various traditional games and sports played during this period including Talappanthukali (a ball game), Ambeyyal (archery), and Kutukutu (a traditional game played mainly in Kerala).
- Onasadya: The tenth day of Onam is Thiruvonam which is considered by many as its most significant day characterized by a sumptuous feast called Onasadya. This meal has nine courses that cover a wide array of dishes all serving traditional foods like rice, sambar,avial,thoran, and payasam which are served on plantain leaves.
- Vallamkali (Boat Race): The Vallamkali is a prominent event during Onam and can be found especially in some parts of Alappuzha. Long snake-like boats are used by various teams who row them in competition against each other while maintaining an atmosphere of friendship.
- Temples Visiting: A good number of people visit temples with prayers and well wishes in mind. The Thrikkakara Temple is considered to be the home of Mahabali hence it remains an important place where prayers are offered during Onam.
- Onathappan: The day after Thiruvonam symbolizes King Mahabali by Onathappan, who is dipped in water for the last time. It is a sign that he should go to the underworld.
- Post-Onam Celebrations: Small gatherings, more feasting, and cultural performances take place even after the Thiruvonam celebrations.
Other Rituals
- Pulikali: A folk art where dancers paint themselves tiger and hunters’ images. Mainly, it is famous in the Thrissur region filled with colors of happiness and delight.
The History of Onam
Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, a state located in India whose culture and politics have deep-rooted historical significance. It is the festival that signifies the return of King Mahabali, an ideal king who lived thousands of years ago. Hence, every year during this time he comes to see his subjects lead prosperous lives.
Mythological Background:
Lying closely behind Onam were the legendary tales about the Demon King Mahabali who was famed for his righteousness and magnanimity. As per Hindu mythology, King Mahabali ruled over a very prosperous realm that even led the gods to be scared of him. In response, Lord Vishnu approached this great ruler requesting just three paces of land in his Vamana avatar (miniature Brahmin). Mahabali graciously agreed to this request, however as Vishnu grew into immense proportions, on two steps he covered all dry land and all-sky too. The third step however ranged from everything but starting right from Mosul through Aleppo up until Baku which was offered by Mother Earth herself; rather she allowed him to step on his own head after which he would be sent underground; but in return for his goodness, he was allowed by lord Vishnu to go back once every year into his domain which has become known as Onam.Historical Significance:
Onam is also marked as one of those harvest festivals that come about after monsoons in Kerala thus marking its peak harvest season signifying prosperity, fertility, and cultural vibrancy for the state.Cultural Celebrations:
The Festival is noted for its intricate ceremonies, ancient contests, folkloristic shows, and sumptuous repasts. The Onasadya which is served on a banana leaf is the most well-known celebration of Onam characterized by multiple courses of vegetarian dishes. Additionally, there are several other significant festivities like Pookalam (flower arrangements), Pulikali (a dance performed by impersonators of tigers), and Vallamkali (boat racing).
The history of Onam illustrates how agriculture thrived in Kerala while simultaneously depicting its cultural absorption through a blend of mythology with distinguishable accolades that remain as aspects of identity for inhabitants in this region.
https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/08/where-is-aryavarta-located.html
Frequently Ask Questions
Onam, the festivity of the major Hindus, is celebrated predominantly in Kerala. It signifies the coming back of King Mahabali, a fictional king, and therefore is nothing but a series of elaborate feasts, folk dance festivals, and other pre-existing patterns of cultural activities that last for ten days.
When is Onam celebrated in 2024?
Onam in 2024 will be celebrated from Friday 6th September to Sunday 15th September, with the main day, Thiruvonam, which will be on the 15th of September.
What are the key rituals of Onam?
Among them are Pookalam (flower carpets), Onasadya (grand feast), Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Kaikottikali (a traditional dance) among others.
Why is Onam celebrated?
Onam is an annual celebration in honor of King Mahabali’s visit. This is a king who was loved by many and his period in power is remembered as the golden age of equality and wealth. The festival represents his return to show mercy on his subjects.
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