Onam 2024: A 10-Day Celebration of Unity and Joy: Onam, the vibrant harvest festival of Kerala, will begin on September 6, 2024, and culminate on September 17, 2024. This 10-day celebration honors the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala every year during Onam.
The 10 Days of Onam
The Onam celebrations span over 10 days, each with its unique customs and traditions ¹. The first day, Atham, marks the beginning of the festivities, followed by Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and finally, Thiruvonam ¹. Thiruvonam, on September 15, is the most significant day of the festival ¹.
Onam is celebrated with various traditions and customs, including
- Pookalam: Colorful floral carpets created at the entrance of homes
- Onasadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves
- Vallamkali: Traditional boat races
- Pulikali: Tiger dances
- Onathallu: Martial arts contests
- Traditional dances: Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, and Thumbi Thullal
A Festival for All
Onam is a festival celebrated by people of all faiths and cultures ¹. It's a time for family reunions, feasts, and merriment ¹. The festival promotes unity, harmony, and the spirit of togetherness ¹.
The Onam celebrations will span over 10 days, each with its unique customs and traditions. The days are:
- September 6: Atham (First Day)
- September 7: Chithira
- September 8: Chodi
- September 9: Vishakam
- September 10: Anizham
- September 11: Thriketa
- September 12: Moolam
- September 13: Pooradam
- September 14: Uthradom (First Onam)
- September 15: Thiruvonam (Main Day)
- September 16: Avittom (Third Onam)
- September 17: Chathayam (Fourth Onam)
Onam is a vibrant and iconic Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in the Indian state of Kerala. It commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler who brought unparalleled prosperity and happiness to his people. The festival is a beautiful blend of culture, tradition, and revelry, marked by elaborate decorations, traditional boat races, mesmerizing folk dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and sumptuous feasts called Sadya. Onam embodies the spirit of unity, love, and gratitude, and is a testament to Kerala's rich cultural heritage. It typically falls in late August or early September and is celebrated over a period of 10 days, culminating in the grand Thiruvonam day.
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