Onam Festival 2024 : Onam is an vibrant festival celebrated as of primarily in Kerala, India. After all, it is the biggest festival to observed in Kerala. This marks to the homecoming of the mythical King of Mahabali. The celebrations of the Onam festival is last for ten days and showcase beautiful cultural traditions.
This blog will be guide you on everything about of Onam and its significance so that you can make your celebrations more meaningful.
When Is Onam in 2024?
Onam will celebrate on the day of Thiruvonam Nakshathram (Shravana Nakshatra) in the month of Chingam, as per the Malayalam calendar. When the Thiruvonam Nakshathram prevails throughout the Chingam month, that is when of this festival is celebrated. The celebration of Onam is usually falls between late August and early September, as per the Gregorian calendar; it is celebrated for the ten days.Corresponding to the age-old traditions, the Onam festival is supposed to start on the day of Atham (Hasta) Nakshathram, which is the first day of this festival, and end on Thiruvonam Nakshathram, the most important day of Onam celebrations. Hence, this becomes a 10-day festival.
In 2024, the Onam festival will commence on 6th September 2024 (Friday) and continues till 17th September 2024 (Tuesday). The main festivity, i.e., Thiruvonam, will take place on 15th September of 2024 (Sunday).
Understanding The Onam Festival 2024: The Importance
Onam is a rice harvest festival that is celebrated with the great enthusiasm in Kerala. It is noticed with most joy and happiness as it symbolizes the coming back of the mythical King Mahabali. It also celebrate to the appearance of the revered Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. All the ten days of Onam have their own importance, and this festival is a time of happiness and that the prosperity, with celebrations lasting ten days and filled with the traditional feasts and rituals.
symbolic Relevance
Corresponding to the beliefs, the most common symbolic tale associated with the festival is that of Asura King Mahabali, who was Lord Vishnu’s devotee and a virtuous and kind ruler. Under of his rule, the kingdom thrived. King Mahabali’s fame rose, which made to the Devas (Gods) jealous and enraged, particularly as he was an Asura (demon). The Devas were afraid of that they would lose their power, so they begged Lord Vishnu to help them stop him.
Onam is a major annual festival celebrated in Kerala, India, marking the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It usually takes place in August or September, based on the Malayalam calendar’s month of Chingam. For 2024, Onam is expected to be celebrated from August 31 to September 10.
Key Aspects of Onam 2024:
Pookalam (Flower Rangoli): Colorful flower carpets are created in front of homes and public places. These designs often feature intricate patterns and are made with a variety of vibrant flowers.
Onasadya (Feast): A grand feast is a central part of the celebration, featuring a spread of traditional Kerala dishes served on banana leaves. It typically includes rice, sambar, avial, olan, payasam, and other delicacies.
Vallamkali (Boat Races): The famous snake boat races are held during Onam, with long, narrow boats decorated with colorful banners competing in the backwaters.
Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Performers paint their bodies in bright colors and costumes to mimic tigers and dance to traditional rhythms. This is often seen in various parts of Kerala during the festival.
Cultural Performances: Traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Thiruvathirakali are performed, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Onakkodi (New Clothes): It’s customary for people to wear new clothes, often given as gifts to family members.
King Mahabali’s Return: Onam is believed to be the time when King Mahabali visits his people. Festivities often include stories and plays depicting his reign and the joy of his visit.
The festival reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy across the state. If you’re planning to visit Kerala during Onam 2024, you’ll experience vibrant celebrations, traditional performances, and a deep sense of community spirit.
According to legend, King Mahabali was performing elaborate rituals in hopes of gaining favor from Lord Vishnu. In his Vamana avatar, Vishnu visited the king and, as a token of his generosity, requested a piece of land that he could measure in three strides. The benevolent King Mahabali granted this request. When Vamana expanded to his colossal form, he covered the entire cosmos with his first two steps. With no land left for the third step, King Mahabali humbly offered his own head for Vamana’s final stride. Moved by the king’s selflessness, Vishnu blessed him and sent him to the underworld, yet granted him the privilege of returning to his people once each year.
This event is commemorated on Thiruvonam, the day when King Mahabali is believed to visit his subjects. Onam is celebrated annually in Kerala to honor his return, with the belief that he visits every home to reconnect with his people.