Onam is an annual Hindu festival with origins in the state of Kerala in India. Onam is the festival of 10 days celebration. It falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September.
How Onam is Celebrated?
Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Onam Eve. In fact, Onam celebrations last for 10 days. Festivities of Onam continue for ten long days. The most important ones are the first day, Atham and the last or tenth day, Thiru Onam.
Day 1 of Onan: Atham
Atham starts with people visiting the temples in the morning. It is believed that King Mahabali starts his descend from Pathala to Kerala on this day.
The Onam celebrations, called Atthachamayam, starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi, the place where Mahabali is believed to have been banished.
The traditional ritual of laying Pookalam starts. The size of Pookalam on this day is called as Athapoo.
Day 2 of Onam – Chithira
People start cleaning their houses and a second layer is added on the Pookalam.
Day 3 of Onam – Chodhi
The families go shopping – gifts, new clothes, and jewelry.
Must Read: Kerala’s Most Illustrious Festival: ONAM
Day 4 of Onam – Vishakam
One of the most auspicious day, when the preparation of Onam sadya begins. In the olden days, the markets opened their harvest sale on this day.
Day 5 of Onam- Anizham
Vallamkali- the snake boat race is flagged off.
Day 6 of Onam – Thriketa
The Pookalam gets very large with at least 5 to 6 flowers added Families visit their ancestral home and exchange gifts with their dear ones.
Day 7 of Onam – Moolam
Moolam is filled with festivities and the smaller versions of traditional Ona Sadya start in many places. Festivities include Puli Kali, and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, etc. Some also decorate a swing with flowers to celebrate the king’s homecoming.
Day 8 of Onam – Pooradam
Statues of Mahabali and Vamana are put in the center of the Pookalam. These statues are called Onathappan.
Day 9 of Onam- Uthradam
This is the most auspicious day for the purchase of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Day 10 of Onam – Thiruvonam
The houses are cleaned and rice flour batter applied on the main entrance as a traditional welcome sign. The eldest female member presents clothes to all in the family.
For lunch, the extended family gets together to partake in a sumptuous Onam Sadya. The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games and dances (Onakkalikal).
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