Onam festival is one of the major festivals celebrated in South India. The special thing is that this special festival lasts not for one or two but for 10 days. According to religious beliefs, this festival is celebrated in honor of the generous King Bali. People worship Lord Vishnu and Mahabali on this day. At the same time, some people also celebrate this festival with the wish of a good harvest in the fields. Onam is also called Thiruvonam in Malayalam language.
Onam festival has started from today i.e. 6th September this year, which will end on 15th September 2024, i.e. the last day of the festival. The auspicious time for Puja on 15th September will be from 11:51 am to 12:41 pm.
Significance of Onam
Onam festival is celebrated in the month of Chingam. Malayali people consider Chingam as the first month of the year. If we look at the Hindu calendar, Chingam month is August or September. Every day of Onam has a special significance. In this festival, people decorate their houses with flowers for 10 days and worship Lord Vishnu and Mahabali with rituals. This festival of Onam is also celebrated in the joy of the arrival of a new crop.
Why do we celebrate Onam?
However, there are many beliefs behind celebrating Onam, according to one belief, this festival is celebrated in honour of the demon king Bali. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Vaman and broke Bali’s pride, but after seeing his commitment, Lord Vishnu made him the king of the netherworld. People of South India believe that on the first day of Onam, King Bali comes to earth from the netherworld and inquires about the well-being of his subjects.
How are the 10 days of Onam
1. First day (Atham)- On the very first day of the festival, after taking a bath in the morning, people go to the temple and worship the Lord. Banana, papad etc. are eaten for breakfast. After this, people make Onam Pushpakaal or Pakalam.
2. Second Day (Chithira)- On the second day of Onam, women add new flowers to the flowerbed. Men bring all these flowers home.
3. Third Day (Visakam)- The third day of Onam is very special. On this day, there is importance of making main purchases for Thiruvonam i.e. the 10th day of Onam.
4. Fourth Day (Visakam)- On the fourth day of Onam, flower carpet making competitions are held at many places. On the 10th day, things like pickles and potato chips are prepared.
5. Fifth Day (Anijam)- On the fifth day of Onam, a boat race competition is organized. This boat race is known as Vallamkali in Kerala.
6. Sixth Day (Thikretha)- On the sixth day of Onam, cultural programs are organized. Friends and relatives are also greeted for the festival.
7. Seventh Day (Moolam)- The seventh day of Onam is also special. On the seventh day, the markets are decorated with various goods and food items. On this day, people also enjoy special dishes and delicacies at home.
8. Eighth Day (Pooradam)- On the eighth day people make pyramid shaped idols from clay. These idols are called Maa and flowers are also offered to them.
9. Ninth Day (Uthradam)- The ninth day of Onam is called First Onam. On this day people wait for the arrival of King Mahabali.
10. Tenth day (Thiruvonam)- The last day is the most special. King Bali comes to earth. On this day a carpet of flowers is made. Dishes are decorated in a thali. This day is also famous as the second Onam.
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