Onam 2024: This 10-day festival celebrates Kerala’s annual harvest and is also associated with the legendary return of King Mahabali.
The vibrant festival of Onam, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala. The 10-day festival marks the celebration of the annual harvest in Kerala and is also attributed to the return of King Mahabali as per legends. Each day of Onam holds a particular significance. Onam begins with Atham and continues with Chithira, Chodi, Vishakham, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam till the last day.
The 10-day festival celebrates Kerala’s annual harvest and is also linked to the legendary return of King Mahabali. (Image: Shutterstock)
The final day of Onam, i.e., Thiruvonam, carries immense importance as it concludes the festivities, with families preparing and partaking in Onasadya, the grand Onam feast. Ahead of Onam 2024, here’s all you need to know about the festival.
When Is Onam 2024?
According to the Drik Panchang, Onam will commence on September 5 and conclude on September 15.
- Onam Begins: September 5
- Thiruvonam: September 15
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra begins at 08:32 PM on September 14
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra ends at 06:49 PM on September 15
2024 Onam Calendar* | Thiruvonam Calendar
The first day of Onam begins with decorating the home with yellow flowers known as Pookalam. (Image: Shutterstock)
September 5, Atham, Chingam 20, 1200: Atthachamayam, Athapoo Pookalam
- Atham Nakshatra begins at 06:14 AM, Sep 05
- Atham Nakshatra ends at 09:25 AM, Sep 06
September 6, Atham, Chingam 21, 1200
September 7, Chithira, Chingam 22, 1200:
- Chithira Nakshatra begins at 09:25 AM, Sep 06
- Chithira Nakshatra ends at 12:34 PM, Sep 07
September 8, Chothi, Chingam 23, 1200:
- Chothi Nakshatra begins at 12:34 PM, Sep 07
- Chothi Nakshatra ends at 03:31 PM, Sep 08
September 9, Vishakham, Chingam 24, 1200:
- Vishakham Nakshatra begins at 03:31 PM, Sep 08
- Vishakham Nakshatra ends at 06:04 PM, Sep 09
September 10, Anizham, Chingam 25, 1200:
Anizham Day, Vallam Kali
- Anizham Nakshatra begins at 06:04 PM, Sep 09
- Anizham Nakshatra ends at 08:04 PM, Sep 10
September 11, Thrikketta, Chingam 26, 1200:
- Thrikketta Nakshatra begins at 08:04 PM, Sep 10
- Thrikketta Nakshatra ends at 09:22 PM, Sep 11
September 12, Moolam, Chingam 27, 1200:
Moolam Day, Onam Sadya, Puli Kali, Kaikotti Kali
- Moolam Nakshatra begins at 09:22 PM, Sep 11
- Moolam Nakshatra ends at 09:53 PM, Sep 12
September 13, Pooradam, Chingam 28, 1200:
Pooradam Day, Onathappan
- Pooradam Nakshatra begins at 09:53 PM, Sep 12
- Pooradam Nakshatra ends at 09:35 PM, Sep 13
September 14, Uthradam, Chingam 29, 1200:
Uthradom Day, First Onam, Uthradappachil
- Uthradam Nakshatra begins at 09:35 PM, Sep 13
- Uthradam Nakshatra ends at 08:32 PM, Sep 14
September 15, Thiruvonam, Chingam 30, 1200:
Thiruvonam Day, Second Onam, Thiru-Onam, Onam
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra begins at 08:32 PM, Sep 14
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra ends at 06:49 PM, Sep 15
September 16, Avittam, Chingam 31, 1200:
Avvittom Day, Third Onam, Thrissur Pulikali
- Avittam Nakshatra begins at 06:49 PM, Sep 15
- Avittam Nakshatra ends at 04:33 PM, Sep 16
September 17, Chathayam, Kanni 01, 1200:
Chatayam Day, Fourth Onam
- Chathayam Nakshatra begins at 04:33 PM, Sep 16
- Chathayam Nakshatra ends at 01:53 PM, Sep 17
* Source: Drik Panchang
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Significance Of Onam Festival
Widely celebrated by the people of Kerala, Onam is a Malayali festival that is observed in the Chingam month of the Malayalam Solar Calendar. The day when Nakshatra Thiruvonam, or Shravana, prevails in the month of Chingam is considered for Onam celebrations.
Onam commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the return of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is believed that King Mahabali annually visits every Malayali home and meets his people on Thiruvonam day.
Onam History
As per Hindu mythology, King Mahabali of Kerala was believed to have defeated the Gods. His grand reign made him quite popular, prompting Gods to ask Lord Vishnu to step in. To end Mahabali’s rule, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a Vamana and tricked him into giving him whatever land he owned. He was sent to a lower world, but with a boon to visit his land once a year. Ever since, the festival is observed to mark the King’s return to his people.
Onam Puja Rituals
During the festival, people decorate their homes with pookalam (exquisite floral carpets), and traditional art forms, and prepare Onam Sadhya.
Elaborate, sumptuous feasts are also served in every home, with the feast ending with delicious payasam.
Image: Shutterstock)
Onam sadya consists of over 26 dishes that are enjoyed on banana leaves.
People also follow the tradition of wearing new clothes and exchanging jewellery and traditional attire. While men prefer Mundu, boys go for Pattu Pavada, and women wear Kasavu sarees.
Apart from these, the festivities also include several cultural activities, such as traditional games, boat races and cultural performances.
Onam 2024 Wishes
(Image: Shutterstock)
May the essence of Onam be present in all your actions, thoughts, and aspirations throughout your life.
May the return of King Mahabali bring joy and prosperity to you and your family.
This Onam, may you experience the richness of nature and share it with your loved ones.
May your life be as vibrant as a Pookalam, flow smoothly like a snake boat, and find a variety of experiences like the Onasadya.
May Lord Vamana grant you abundant rewards for your efforts, and may you enjoy a plentiful harvest of success, relationships, and joy.
I hope this Onam brings you great fortune and happiness.
Wishing you a very Happy Onam, filled with prosperity, and immense happiness, and help you achieve all your dreams.
May the blessings of the gods fill your heart with joy, and may the vibrant colors and lights brighten your home.
