Onam - Festival of Kerala

Onam is a 10-day festival celebrated by the people of Kerala. The most significant day of this festival is the tenth day, known as Thiruvonam. This day is often used interchangeably with the term “Onam” itself. In the Malayalam language, the Shravan Nakshatra is referred to as Thiru Onam and the Thiru Onam Puja takes place during this time, coinciding with the Shravana/Thiruvonam Nakshatra in the Chingam month according to the Malayalam Calendar.

Insight into Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam comprises two parts: ‘Thiru’ and ‘Onam‘. ‘Thiru’ denotes something holy, akin to the Sanskrit term ‘Shree’. It is believed that on this day, King Maha Bali returns from the netherworld (Patala Loka) to visit his people. Various other beliefs are attached to this festival, including the birth of Vishnu’s Vamana Avatar.

In Kerala, a 4-day holiday period is observed during Onam. This span encompasses the day before Thiruvonam and extends for two days afterward. These four days are named First Onam, Second Onam, Third Onam, and Fourth Onam. Second Onam holds the status of being the principal Thiruvonam day.

Thiruvonam Festivities

Since Thiruvonam ranks among Kerala’s most crucial festivals, the celebrations are grand in scale. The festivities kick off ten days ahead of Thiru Onam, commencing with Atham, the first day of the Onam festival.
On the subsequent day, Chithira, individuals embark on house cleaning and decoration in preparation for the tenth day, Thiruvonam.
On The eighth day, Pooradam, sees final shopping endeavors in readiness for the impending Thiruvonam extravaganza.
The ninth day, Uthradom, involves last-minute shopping for fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. In the evening, preparations such as cutting vegetables are undertaken.
On the morning of the tenth day, people rise early, bathe, don new attire, and extend charitable donations to the less fortunate. In many households, the eldest family member acquires clothing for all.
Thiruvonam Puja and rituals are essential during the Thiruvonam/Shravan Nakshatra phase.
Women clean and adorn the house, creating intricate flower carpets especially outside the main entrance to welcome King Bali’s spirit. In some households, rice paste designs embellish the entrance.
An elaborate feast known as Onam Sadhya is prepared to invoke the blessings of the King. Onam Sadya is a highlight of the festival, featuring around 26 dishes served on banana leaves. The menu includes chips, buttermilk, sweets, lentils, pickles, and more.
The evening is marked by diverse games and cultural performances, illuminating the atmosphere with lamps and lights after sunset.

The Historical Underpinning of Onam

According to legend, King Mahabali reigned with immense power, ruling over Bhu Loka (Earth), Deva Loka (Heaven), and Patala Loka (Nether World). Despite his demon lineage, he exhibited extraordinary benevolence, earning the affection of his subjects. However, his ascendancy riled the Devas (celestial beings), who enlisted Lord Vishnu’s aid to reclaim their domain. Vishnu assumed the Vamana Avatar, appearing as a diminutive Brahmin. Bali, adhering to the practice of honoring Brahmins, offered the Lord three paces of land. Vishnu magnified himself, placing one foot in heaven, the other on earth, and with the third step, confined Bali to the netherworld. Impressed by Bali’s magnanimity, Vishnu granted him an annual visit to his realm. Thus, Thiruvonam marks Bali’s yearly return.

A 10-Day Onam Soiree in Kerala

Atham: Commences with temple worship, featuring steamed bananas and fried papad for breakfast. Pookalam (flower carpets) are crafted.
Chithira: Worship followed by adding new flowers to the Pookkalam and flower procurement.
Chodhi: Markets gear up for shopping, and people collect items for Thiruvonam preparation.
Visakam: Flower carpet competition and preparation of pickles and chips.
Anizham: Highlights the Vallamkali snake boat race.
Thriketa: Cultural events and visits to enhance the festive spirit.
Moolam: Markets brim with food offerings, and people indulge in various dishes.
Pooradam: Clay pyramids (“Maa”) with flower offerings, preparation intensifies.
Uthiradam: Also First Onam, preparations escalate, and large Pookkalams take shape.
Thiruvonam: King Bali’s arrival day, marked by grand flower carpets, the elaborate Onam Sadhya, cultural events, and fireworks. Onam extends for two more days post-Thiruvonam, culminating in the 12-day celebration. The 10 days before Thiruvonam hold prime significance.
Avittom: Third Onam, the prelude to King’s return. Onathappan statue immersion, Pookalam removal, and Tiger dance (Pulikali) are observed.
Chathayam: Culmination with a grand dance festival.