Different Ways of Onam Celebration
Onam is a traditional festival of the Gods Own Land; Kerala. During this time of the year, Kerala is full of enthusiasm and celebrations with trumpets, drums, boat races, dance, art, music, floral decorations, lights, colors, rituals, and delicious Onasadya, without which the celebrations are incomplete. The spirits of Onam are spread all across the nation, even among the non-Malyalis.
Onam is a ten-day long festival, celebrated in the month of Chingam of the Malayalam calendar, usually starting in mid-August and lasting until mid-September. This year Thiruvonam 2024 falls on 15th September.
Also Check: Onam 2024: The Traditional Ways of Celebration
The traditional festival of Malyalis originated in the state of Kerala. It is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by all the Malyalis. Falling in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam Calendar, the festival overlaps with August and September.Onam 2024 begins on 6th September and ends on 15th September.
Onam Festival: History and its Significance
The 10 Days Of Onam festival is observed in the Hindu culture. It is a harvest festival that welcomes the mythical King Mahabali. He was a demon who was renowned for his generosity and kind heart. His popularity incited jealousy among the Gods. Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu, and the latter aided the Gods in their cause but did not initiate a battle with Mahabali.
Lord Vishnu transfigured into a Brahmin dwarf named Vamana and headed to Mahabali's kingdom with a request to have the right over a property measuring ‘three paces’. Mahabali obliged and fulfilled Vamana’s wish.
Thiruvonam is one of the most important days out of the ten days of Onam of the festival. “Onakalikal” refers to the games that are played during the festival. These games include Thala Panthu Kali with a ball, Ambeyyal or archery, and the Vallamkali boat race, in which nearly hundreds of boatmen race.
Women take part in traditional folk dances, which are among the biggest attractions of the festival. The dances and synchronised performances are in honor of King Mahabali and his arrival. The elephant procession is one of the key celebrations in the festival, where decorated elephants parade and dance with people at the place of procession.
Traditions for Onam Festival
The traditional methods of celebration of Onam in Kerala include the creation of carpets of flowers in front of their homes. Decorating homes, tray preparation for worship, and wearing special outfits are common traditional ways of celebrating the festival. The new attires worn on the day of Onam are called “Onakkodi” and are an essential aspect of the holiday.
The festival has several sub-events that take place, such as Vallam Kalli, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Thumbi Thullai, Onavillu, Kazchakkula, Athachamayam, and more. Different dances and play performances through traditional forms of art on occasion are witnessed. The men dress as tigers, and these unique performances are witnessed at public events or streets.
The Onasadya meal is prepared on the most important day of the festival. Delicacies are cooked and served on large banana leaves. The nine-course meal comprises dishes such as rasam, sambhar, rice, and more. Even some well-known restaurants offer 30 dishes on the menu for Onasadya.
What is Onam Pookalam and Onam Ashamsakal?
Pookalam means a color sketch of flowers that is a flower rangoli or flower carpet made in front of the house to celebrate the occasion of Onam. It is also known as Athapookalam and Onapookalam. It is considered auspicious to draw Pookalam on the occasion of Onam. The traditional way of wishing Kerala’s biggest festival Onam is “Onam Ashamsakal.”
The 10 Days of Onam
These are the ten days of Onam Festival 2024 and their significance here:
Atham (6th September 2024)
On the day of Atham, festivities begin at the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple in Kochi. The grand procession is known as Athachamayam. This day marks the preparations for the visit of Mahabali to the Kingdom. Pookalam made on Atham is known as Athapoo, which is only one layer that gets added on progressively as each day of Onam passes.
Chithira (7th September 2024)
On the second day, Chithira, two more layers of flowers are added to the Pookalam. People clean their houses and visit temples on this day.
Chodhi (8th September 2024)
On the third day, Chodhi, people buy new clothes known as Onakkodi. Women dress up in Kasavu Saree, and men wear Mundu. Young girls wear Pattu Pavada. The families go shopping and buy each other jewels and clothes. The third layer of flowers is added to the Pookalam as well.
Vishakam (9th September 2024)
This day is one of the most auspicious days as Onasadya preparations commence. Women in the family stock up on ingredients from the market. Usually, the markets hold their harvest sale during this period making Kerala markets one of the busiest places. Onsadya is about filling the plantation leaf with dishes until there is no space left.
Anizham (10th September 2024)
The Vallamkali or the snake boat races, flag off the Pamba River, and the Pookalam grows bigger as the day passes.
Thriketta (11th September 2024)
Fresh flowers are added to the Pookalam, and families visit their ancestral homes and spend time with them, exchange gifts, etc.
Moolam (12th September 2024)
Most of the templates start offering Onasadya on this day. Families prepare a shorter version of the Sadya. The Pulikali and Kaikottukali are performed at various places in Kerala. The state starts being colourful and busy with celebrations around this time.
Pooradam (13th September 2024)
The day begins with the ritual of installing clay statues of Mahabali and Vamana commonly known as Onathappam, in the centre of the Pookalam. They represent Mahabali, and fixing these statues symbolises an invitation to Mahabali to visit each house. Around this time, the Pookalam starts to become much bigger and more complex.
Uthradam (14th September 2024)
This day is considered Onam when the preparations reach their maximum. The devotees prepare themselves to welcome King Mahabali the next day. The evening of this day is considered the First Onam. It is an auspicious day to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. The traditional beliefs say that Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day. Hence, the people clean their houses and do their final shopping for Onam.
Thiruvonam (15th September 2024)
It is the day of the auspicious festival when people apply rice flour batter on the entrance of their houses as a traditional welcome sign, shower, and dress up in new clothes. It is the day when King Mahabali visits each home and blesses the families of Kerala. The Pookalam is completed beautifully, and families gather to feast on the Onasadya.
Onam Celebration In Kerala
Onam Festival 2024 is a major festival in Kerala, celebrated with great enthusiasm. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler.
Highlights of the Onam Celebration In Kerala include:
Pookalam: Beautiful flower carpets are made in front of homes to welcome King Mahabali.
Onasadya: A big feast is served on banana leaves, including many traditional dishes like rice, and sambar, and desserts such as payasam.
Vallamkali: Exciting snake boat races are held in the backwaters, attracting many spectators.
Cultural Performances: Traditional dances like Kathakali and Pulikali are performed, showcasing Kerala’s culture.
Traditional Attire: People wear traditional clothes, such as mundus and sarees, to celebrate the festival.
Onam is a time for family gatherings, joy, and cultural celebrations in Kerala.
Different Ways of Onam Wishes for Friends and Family
Onam Ashamsakal is the traditional way of wishing Onam among people in Kerala. Sending Onam wishes to friends and family is essential in any traditional event or festival. These different ways of wishing and sharing positive energy with people decide the tone for the day. These gestures also bring closeness among people and make them feel happier. Here are some Onam wishes that you can send to your friends and make their day better,
“This Onam, I wish that the spirit of this auspicious day stays with you in everything that you do. Here’s wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Onam.”
You can choose to send different wishes that suit your bond with the person! Wishing you all a very Happy Onam!
Conclusion
Onam isn’t just a Keralite festival. It is celebrated across all the states and the world regardless of caste and creed. The celebrations are notable among Malayali communities. Onam is a harmonious, cheerful, and exuberant festival. Onam 2024 will continue to bring people together, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of the festival. It is a time for unity and joy, where people of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy the festive spirit and share in the celebrations of Onam 2024.
FAQs on Onam 2024: The Traditional Festival of Kerala
1. Which is a famous traditional dance form of Kerala?
A famous traditional dance form of Kerala is Kathakali.
2. Is Onam celebrated in all regions?
Yes, Onam is a secular festival and is celebrated in all regions.
3. Onam is celebrated in which state?
This festival belongs to the state of Kerala. The Malayalam-speaking community celebrates the festival.
4. Onam Is Celebrated In Which Month?
Onam is celebrated in August or September. The festival usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar.
5. When Is Onam 2024 Date?
Onam 2024 begins on 6th September and ends on 15th September.
6. What is the significance of Onam?
Onam marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler who is believed to have visited his people during this festival.
7. What is the Malayalam month for September 2024?
Chingam and Kanni are the Malayalam months that run through September. Kanni 1, 2024, falls on September 17.
8. Does Onam change every year?
Onam is celebrated in Kerala every year to mark the homecoming of King Mahabali. The date of Onam is determined by the Panchangam and falls on the 22nd nakshatra called Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam, which is between August and September on the Gregorian calendar.
9. What are the main activities during Onam?
Key activities include making flower carpets (Pookalam), preparing a grand feast (Onasadya), and participating in traditional dance and boat races.
10. What traditional attire is worn during Onam?
People often wear traditional Kerala attire, such as mundus for men and sarees for women, to celebrate the festival.
