Hail to the great King Mahabali as Onam is here. In 2020, Onam is being celebrated from 22 August to 2nd September.
What is Onam
Onam is the national festival of Kerala which lasts for 10 days between August and September. Onam or aka Thiruvonam is celebrated across the world, majorly by Malayalees. This festival marks the short return of the kind King Mahabali to Earth.
Why is Onam celebrated (History)
King Mahabali, asura, was an emperor and a warrior who could never be defeated by anyone but Lord Vishnu’s incarnated version, Vamana.
Many suras prayed to lord Vishnu to kill the generous king as he was invincible and in possession of amrita (amrit – possion to make someone immortal).
Vishnu took an dwarf avtar, Vamana, and asked Mahabali to provide a place for three steps(footsteps). As the great king agreed, Vishnu returned to his larger than life size, kept one foot on Earth, and second on heaven. King Mahabali offered his own head for the third step as he realized that the dwarf is none other than lord Vishnu.
Vishnu gave his devotee a blessing to return to Earth once every year. This period of the year is celebrated as Onam. People of Kerala celebrate his return with great enthusiasm.
How is Onam celebrated
Each day of this festival marks something special, let’s take a look:
Day 1- Atham | King Mahabali ascends to Earth this day, people visit temples, and rallies take place. |
| Day 2- Chithira | Cleaning of houses |
| Day 3 – Chodhi | Shopping and gifting new clothes and jewellery |
| Day 4 – Vishakam | Most auspicious day of the Onam. Onam sadhya is celebrated today with more than make 26 delicacies |
| Day 5 – Anizham | The Snake Boat Race is flagged off |
| Day 6 – Thriketa | People visit their ancestral homes and exchange gifts |
| Day 7 – Moolam | Most of the temples offer special sadhyas from this day. |
| Day 8 – Pooradam | Small statues of Mahabali and Vamana are taken around the house and put in center of the Pookalam. This is the day when Mahabali is finally invited to visit houses of people. From this day onwards, the statue will be called Onathappan. |
| Day 9 – Uthradam | Onam eve |
| Day 10 – Thiruvonam | Final day – rice flour batter is applied on the main entrance (a traditional welcome sign). People dress up in new clothes and distribute alms to needy. Kerala is lit up with lights and fabulous displays of fireworks. Traditional Onam games are also played. |
