Onam 2021

  • Thiruvonam : the Legend of King Mahabali


  • Onam is the most important celebrated festival of Kerala. It is the  symbolic representation of King Mahabali’s yearly home-coming as well as celebrates the "Vaman" an special avatar of Lord Vishnu.
  •  This ten day long Celebration brings in the festive mood among the people of Kerala and is celebrated with more fun.


Onam 2021 lies on August 21,2021 Saturday

             

* Tomorrow is Onam.


* First Onam is Celebrated on August 20, Friday, Thiruvonam 2021 will be celebrated on August 21, Saturday. 


* Third and Fourth Onam Celebrated on August 22, Sunday and August 23, Monday respectively only on this year.


When and why is Onam celebrated?


  *   Onam is celebrated on the day of Thiruvonam nakshatram (Shravana asterism) in the Malayalam Calender month of Chingam.


 * If one follow old traditions and pride the adage 'Atham 10 Onam', Onam starts from Atham (Hasta) nakshatram, the Initial day of onam and Conclude on Thiruvonam (Shravana) nakshatram - the most important day of Onam festivities,so this is celebrated in 10 Days.


 * On the English calendar, Onam usually Celebrates in late August or early September.

Spiritual significance of Onam:

 * As state to mythology, King Mahabali was the greatest king of Kerala and it was during his reign that the local people saw the best time of Kerala: prosperity and healthy was ruled everywhere. 


 * To Finish Mahabali’s rule on earth, Lord Vishnu emerged as a Vaman (short Brahmin) and tricked the King to give him whatever land he had. Thereby, King Mahabali was sent to a lower world; but Vishnu also granted him a boon that he could visit his land once every year. 


 * Onam celebrates this home-coming of the King.

Rituals of Onam:

 * Onam is the only rice harvest festival of Kerala. All the ten days of celebration of Onam has its own significance.


 * The characteristic floral designs is popularly known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival. Usually women members of the house make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps to invite King Mahabali to their house. 



 * People gift and wear new clothes with joy in face known as 'Onakkodi'.


 * Grand foods are prepared on this occasion. This is known as 'onam sadya’. Usually,13 dishes are prepared for this. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads and amny more. 


 * A sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.it is Favorite of all Malayalis.


 * Vallamkali or boat race, especially of Snake boats, is an event associated with Onam and is a grand event in Kerala these days. Huge snake shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other. Huge amounts of cash rewards are distributed as prizes for the winners.


 * Elephants decorated with ornaments are Main Attraction of Onam processions.


 * Thrikkakara appan (Onathappan) or Vaman Vishnu idols are Construtred at homes for worship.


 * Different types of cultural activities mark the celebration of Onam which include the traditional Kathakali dance, music, art and cuisine.
Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen commonly during Onam performing Pulikali dance. This time of the year is declared as the Tourism week in Kerala as this is the best time to visit the state.


 * Onam is of special importance as it unites people of all religions residing in the state. It spreads the message of unity and peace in society.


Hope this ONAM brings you an very Good Fortune &
never last Happiness for you…!
HAPPY ONAM 2021