When is Onam festival? This question arises every year as the vibrant and joyous occasion draws near. Onam, a significant harvest festival, is celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm in the beautiful state of Kerala, India. This traditional festival marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and is a time for feasting, cultural performances, and colorful decorations. Understanding when the Onam festival falls is crucial for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala. Join us on a journey through this guide to learn more about the timing and traditions of the Onam festival, and how you can partake in the celebrations.
On the festive occasion of Onam, I extend my good wishes to all my friends & the people of Kerala. Delighted to join you in the celebrations today and wish you all a happy and safe Onam. Let’s keep the spirit of Onam alive. pic.twitter.com/yx2JrZPZ7s
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) August 30, 2020
Introduction to Onam Festival
Onam is one of the most important festivals in the Indian state of Kerala, usually falling in the month of August or September. This vibrant harvest festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by the people of Kerala and holds significant cultural and traditional importance.
History of Onam
The legend behind Onam dates back to ancient times and is associated with the mythical King Mahabali, who was renowned for his benevolence and generosity.
According to popular belief, Mahabali visits Kerala during Onam to ensure the well-being of his subjects, which is celebrated as the homecoming of the king.
Traditions and Customs
During the festival, people decorate their homes with intricate flower carpets known as “Pookalam” and prepare a grand feast called “Onasadya” featuring a variety of traditional dishes.
Onam is also marked by colorful cultural performances, including the traditional dance form of Kathakali, music, and sports events.
History and Significance of Onam
Onam, a vibrant and significant festival celebrated in the southern state of Kerala, India, typically falls in the month of August or September.
Legend has it that Onam is a celebration of the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who ruled Kerala in a bygone era known for its prosperity and peace.
Mythological Origins
The festival commemorates the benevolent ruler King Mahabali, who was known for his virtuous and just rule, which resulted in the prosperity and happiness of his kingdom.
This festival symbolizes the annual visit of King Mahabali to see his beloved subjects, and it is believed that during Onam, the spirit of the king visits Kerala.
Significance
Onam is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season, signifying the abundance and prosperity brought by a good harvest.
The festival is celebrated with elaborate feasts, traditional dances like Thiruvathirakali, boat races like Vallamkali, and colorful floral decorations known as Pookalam.
How and When is Onam Festival Celebrated?
Onam, a significant festival in Kerala, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor typically in the months of August or September based on the Malayalam calendar, known as Chingam month. It usually lasts for 10 days, starting with Atham day and culminating with Thiru Onam. This year, Onam falls on August 21, 2022, and the festivities are expected to be grand.
Traditional Rituals and Customs
During this vibrant festival, people decorate their homes with beautiful floral carpets known as Pookalam and prepare a grand feast called Onasadya. The traditional dance form, Thiruvathira Kali, and the iconic Snake Boat Race, Vallamkali, are also integral parts of the celebrations.
Onam Sadhya Feast
The highlight of Onam is the elaborate vegetarian feast, Onasadya, served on banana leaves. It typically includes a variety of dishes like Avial, Thoran, Pachadi, Sambar, and Payasam, creating a gastronomic delight for all participants.
- This year’s Onam feast is expected to bring together families and communities to enjoy the rich flavors of Kerala cuisine.
Traditional Practices and Rituals during Onam
Onam, a vibrant festival celebrated in Kerala, South India, falls typically in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which corresponds to August-September. The festival is a ten-day extravaganza filled with cultural activities, delicious feasts, and traditional rituals.
Pookalam – Floral Rangoli
One of the significant highlights of Onam is the creation of Pookalam, a floral Rangoli made with various colorful flower petals arranged in intricate patterns. This art form symbolizes the welcome of King Mahabali.
Onasadya – Grand Feast
Onasadya is the traditional grand feast served on banana leaves. It consists of an array of delicious vegetarian dishes like avial, olan, erissery, payasam, and more. Families come together to enjoy this elaborate meal.
Pulikali – Tiger Dance
In the festive spirit, people participate in Pulikali, a colorful performance where artists paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beats of drums. It adds a lively and entertaining touch to the celebrations.
Food and Special Dishes of Onam
Onam, the vibrant harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, is known for its lavish feasts and traditional delicacies. The variety of dishes prepared during Onam showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Families come together to prepare elaborate meals featuring a wide array of flavors and textures.
Onam Sadhya
The highlight of Onam is the grand feast known as Onam Sadhya. This traditional vegetarian meal is served on a banana leaf and consists of a variety of dishes, including avial, thoran, olan, sambar, rasam, payasam, and more.
Special Onam Dishes
Some of the special dishes prepared during Onam include Pulissery, a yogurt-based curry with a hint of sweetness, Ada Pradhaman, a delectable dessert made with rice flakes, jaggery, coconut milk, and nuts, and Parippu Curry, a flavorful lentil dish.
- Avial: A mixed vegetable curry cooked in coconut and yogurt gravy
- Payasam: A sweet dish made with rice, milk, jaggery, and nuts
- Appam: Soft and fluffy rice pancakes served with coconut milk
Cultural Programs and Events during Onam
During the vibrant and joyous celebration of Onam, various cultural programs and events take place across Kerala. From traditional dance performances to grand feasts, Onam festivities offer a rich cultural experience for locals and tourists alike. The year 2022 promises to bring an array of exciting events that showcase the essence of this auspicious festival.
Traditional Dance Performances
One of the highlights of Onam celebrations is the mesmerizing traditional dance forms like Mohiniyattam and Kathakali, which grace the stages during this festive period. These performances, with their intricate movements and vibrant costumes, captivate audiences and bring to life the cultural heritage of Kerala.
Grand Onam Sadhyas
Onam is incomplete without indulging in the sumptuous Onam Sadhya, a traditional feast featuring an array of mouth-watering dishes served on a banana leaf. Families and communities come together to enjoy this elaborate meal that includes delicacies like Pulissery, Avial, and Payasam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of Onam Festival?
- Onam is a significant festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India to commemorate the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It is a harvest festival that signifies the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season.
- When is Onam usually celebrated?
- Onam is typically celebrated in the month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar, which usually falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.
- How is Onam Festival celebrated?
- Onam is celebrated with various traditional rituals and festivities including making intricate flower carpets (Pookalam), preparing a grand feast (Onasadya), traditional folk dances like Thiruvathira Kali and Pulikali, boat races (Vallam Kali), and other cultural performances.
- What is the significance of Pookalam during Onam?
- Pookalam, the intricate flower carpet, is a significant part of Onam celebrations symbolizing the welcome of King Mahabali. People create colorful floral designs using various flowers in front of their houses during the festival.
- What is Onasadya and why is it important during Onam?
- Onasadya is a grand feast comprising of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves. It is a crucial part of Onam celebrations as it emphasizes the spirit of sharing, unity, and abundance.
Closing Remarks: Embrace the Spirit of Onam!
As we conclude our guide to celebrating the vibrant tradition of Onam, one key question lingers in our minds – When is Onam Festival? With a precise answer, we now understand that Onam festivities typically fall during the Malayalam month of Chingam, usually between August and September. Armed with this knowledge, we can eagerly anticipate the colorful flower carpets, sumptuous feasts, and exhilarating boat races that characterize this joyous occasion.
Remember, Onam is not just a festival; it is a celebration of unity, prosperity, and togetherness. So, whether you are in Kerala or miles away, let the spirit of Onam inspire you to embrace happiness and harmony in your life. Happy Onam!
