Onam is a Hindu festival deeply rooted in Kerala, India. Onam is celebrated as a harvest festival by the Malayali people. Every year, during the month of Chingam in Malayalam (August to September), people celebrate Onam. It signifies the return of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, Emperor Mahabali, and other figures from Hindu mythology.

Onam spans ten days and is filled with various rituals and events that showcase Kerala’s cultural heritage. The Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Onam Pookalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women’s dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and many more.

If you are curious to know more about this Malayali festival and the joyous celebration of Onam, this blog is for you!

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Onam 2024 History and Significance

Onam is a major festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. Usually held in August or September, it is a ten-day harvest festival for Malayali people in or out of India. In 2024, Onam will be celebrated from September 6 to September 15.

The story of Kerala’s benevolent and righteous King Mahabali is the central part of the Onam history and significance. When he was the king, everyone was incredibly prosperous and happy. It is said that the gods became concerned about Mahabali’s growing power and influence. They made a help request to Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and approached King Mahabali. He asked the king for three paces of land. Being generous, Mahabali agreed to give him the lands. Vamana then grew to a gigantic size and covered the earth and the heavens in two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his head. Vishnu was pleased with Mahabali’s devotion and granted him a boon to visit his people once a year.

Onam marks the annual visit day of King Mahabali to the people of Kerala. People celebrate his return with various activities, including boat races, traditional dances, flower decorations called Onam Pookalam, and a grand feast known as Onam Sadya.

Onam is a time for joy, family reunions, and cultural events, reminding everyone of the golden age under King Mahabali’s rule.

Onam 2024 Celebrations and Rituals: ( Mention about 10 days of Onam)

Onam is celebrated over ten days, each day has its unique significance and activities. Here we will give you a breakdown of the 2024 Onam celebrations, which will occur from September 6 to September 15.

Atham (September 6)

The first day of Onam is the beginning of the festival. This is the day, when people start creating Onam Pookalam designs, with floral designs on the ground. The festivity continues with many other rituals.

Chithira (September 7)

The Onam pookalam designs continue to grow with new layers of flowers. Houses are cleaned, and people start decorating their homes.

Chodi (September 8)

Today, people start shopping for new clothes, known as Onakkodi, and gifts for family and friends.

Vishakam (September 9)

It is one of the most auspicious days for preparing for Onam Sadya, the grand feast. From this day on, people start bringing new crops to their homes.

Anizham (September 10)

The famous Vallamkali, or snake boat races, begin from Anizham. These races are a significant attraction of the entire Onam festival. It is the main attraction to draw large crowds.

Thriketta (September 11)

On the day of Thriketta, special prayers and rituals are conducted in temples. Families gather and visit their ancestral homes.

Moolam (September 12)

Onam Sadya’s preparation intensifies on this day. Traditional dance forms like Thiruvathira and Pulikali (tiger dance) are performed.

Pooradam (September 13)

Statues of King Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the center of the Onam Pookalam designs. People also start preparing for the grand celebrations.

Uthradam (September 14)

Known as the first Onam or Onnam Onam, it’s a day of preparations. People clean their homes, cook traditional dishes, and make final arrangements for the next day.

Thiruvonam (September 15)

The most important day of the Onam festival. Families come together to enjoy the Onam Sadya. It is a grand feast arranged with a variety of dishes served on banana leaves. Games, music, and dance performances mark the day. It’s a time for joy and celebration.

Avittam (September 16)

The celebrations start winding down. The Pookalam is removed, and the decorations are taken down. People begin to return to their regular routines, but the spirit of Onam continues.

Chatham (September 17)

The final day of the Onam celebrations. Cultural programs continue with remembering the legendary King Mahabali and the joy he brings each year.

Onam 2024: Date and Timings

According to Drik Panchang, Onam 2024 will be celebrated on 15th September 2024. Onam is a 10-day long festival, starting from Atham day (the day when Atham Nakshatra prevails) and continuing for 10 days till Thiruvonam day. Asura King Mahabali is believed to have visited every Malayali home and met his people. Atham Nakshatra is known as Hasta Nakshatra in other Hindu Calendars. This year, Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins at 08:32 PM on Sep 14, 2024, and Thiruvonam Nakshatra Ends at 06:49 PM on Sep 15, 2024.

Decoration for Onam

The colorful and traditional Onam decorations showcase the many varieties of cultures that are recognized during the ceremonies. The main attraction is the Onam Pookalam or intricate floral rangoli patterns. Onam pookalams are mainly displayed at home entryways. This is a very easy-to-make yet elegant floral rangolis. To make onam pookalam arrangements, fresh petals of flowers are used every day. After cleaning, houses are adorned with vibrant festoons and traditional oil lamps known as Nilavilakku. Bananas, coconut fronds, and seasonal flowers are examples of common materials. Murals depicting Keralan culture and brassware can be found in the inner chambers. Onam swings are a cheerful addition, especially for kids, and are frequently embellished with flowers. The cheerful and comfortable ambiance these decorations provide is a wonderful representation of the Onam spirit.