The vibrant festival of Onam, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala. The 10-day festival marks Kerala's annual harvest celebrations and the return of the legendary King Mahabali. Every day of Onam has a special meaning. Onam starts from Atham and continues to Chithira, Chodi, Vishakham, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Poadam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam till the last day.
The last day of Onam, Thiruvonam, is of utmost importance as it concludes the festivities and families prepare and participate in the grand Onam feast, Onasadya. Ahead of Onam 2024, here's everything you need to know about the festival.
When is Onan Festival in 2024?
According to Drik Panchang, Onam will start on September 5 and end on September 15.
- Onam starts: September 5
- Trevonan: September 15
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra starts on September 14 at 08:32 pm
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra ends on September 15 at 06:49 pm
Anam Calendar 2024* | Trivandrum Calendar
September 5, Atham, Chingam 20, 1200: Atthachamayam, Athapoo Pookalam
- Atham Nakshatra starts on September 5 at 06:14 AM
- Atham Nakshatra ends on September 6 at 09:25 AM
September 6, Atham, Chingam 21, 1200
September 7, Chithira, Chingam 22, 1200:
- Chithira Nakshatra starts on September 6 at 09:25 AM
- Chithira Nakshatra ends on September 7 at 12:34 pm
September 8, Chothi, Chingam 23, 1200:
- Chothi Nakshatra starts on September 7 at 12:34 pm
- Chothi Nakshatra ends on September 8 at 03:31 pm
September 9, Vishakham, Chingam 24, 1200:
- Vishakham Nakshatra starts on September 8 at 03:31 pm
- Vishakham Nakshatra ends on September 9 at 06:04 pm
September 10, Anizham, Chingam 25, 1200:
Anizam Day, Valamkali
- Anizham Nakshatra starts on September 9 at 06:04 pm
- Anizham Nakshatra ends on September 10 at 08:04 pm
September 11, Thrikketta, Chingam 26, 1200:
- Thrikketta Nakshatra starts on September 10 at 08:04 pm
- Thrikketta Nakshatra ends on September 11 at 09:22 pm
September 12, Moolam, Chingam 27, 1200:
Mulamri, Onam Sadya, Pulikali, Kekotikali
- Moolam Nakshatra starts on September 11 at 09:22 pm
- Moolam Nakshatra ends on September 12 at 09:53 pm
September 13, Poadam, Chingam 28, 1200:
Pradham Day, Onatapan
- Pooradam Nakshatra starts on September 12 at 09:53 pm
- Pooradam Nakshatra ends on September 13 at 09:35 pm
September 14, Uthradam, Chingam 29, 1200:
Uthradom Day, First Onam, Uthradappachil
- Uthradam Nakshatra starts on September 13 at 09:35 pm
- Uthradam Nakshatra ends on September 14 at 08:32 pm
September 15, Thiruvonam, Chingam 30, 1200:
Thiruvananthi, Second Onam, Thiruvananthi, Onam
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra starts on September 14 at 08:32 pm
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra ends on September 15 at 06:49 pm
September 16, Avittam, Chingam 31, 1200:
Avvittom Day, 3rd Onam, Thrissur Pulikali
- Avittam Nakshatra starts on September 15 at 06:49 pm
- Avittam Nakshatra ends on September 16 at 04:33 pm
September 17, Chathayam, Caney 01, 1200:
Chattayan day, the fourth Anand day
- Chathayam Nakshatra starts on September 16 at 04:33 pm
- Chathayam Nakshatra ends on September 17 at 01:53 pm
* Source: Drik Panchang
The meaning of Onam festival
Onam is a Malayalam festival widely celebrated by the people of Kerala and is celebrated in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam solar calendar. The day on which Nakshatra Thiruvonam or Shravana prevails in the month of Chingam is considered as the day to celebrate Onam.
Onam commemorates the appearance of the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the return of the legendary emperor Mahabali. It is believed that King Mahabali visited every Malayali home every year on Thiruvanandi and met his people.
Anam History
According to Hindu mythology, King Mahabali of Kerala is believed to have defeated the gods. His great reign made him very popular, prompting the gods to ask Vishnu to intervene. . He was sent to the lower world but was lucky enough to visit his land once a year. Since then, the festival has been celebrated to commemorate the return of the king to his people.
Onam puja ceremony
During the festival, people decorate their houses with pookalam (elaborate floral carpets) and traditional art forms and prepare Onam Sadhya.
Every household hosts a sumptuous and elaborate feast, ending with the delicious Payasam.
Onam Sadya includes over 26 dishes served on banana leaves.
People also follow the tradition of wearing new clothes, exchanging jewelry and traditional clothing. Men prefer Mundu, boys prefer Pattu Pavada and women prefer Kasavu sarees.
Apart from this, the celebrations also include cultural activities such as traditional games, boat races and cultural performances.
Outram 2024 Wishes
May the essence of Anan be present in all your actions, thoughts and desires throughout your life.
May the return of King Mahabali bring joy and prosperity to you and your family.
This Anam, may you experience the richness of nature and share it with your loved ones.
May your life be as vibrant as Pookalam, as smooth as the snake boat and find multiple experiences like Onasadya.
May Lord Vamana reward you generously for your efforts and may you enjoy a bountiful harvest of success, relationships and joy.
I hope this Anan can bring you great wealth and happiness.
May you be happy Anan, filled with prosperity and immense happiness, and help you achieve all your dreams.
May the blessings of the gods fill your heart with joy and may bright colors and lights illuminate your home.
