Onam is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The festival usually falls in the month of August or September and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the people of Kerala. Onam is a time for feasting, dancing, and merrymaking, as people come together to celebrate the bounty of nature and the blessings of the King Mahabali.
As we look forward to Onam 2023, it is important to remember the key dates associated with the festive season. From the start of the festivities to the grand Onam feast, here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:
1. Atham (August 14, 2023) – The first day of the Onam festivities, Atham marks the beginning of the traditional Onam celebrations. People start preparing for the festival by cleaning their homes, decorating them with flowers, and making elaborate rangoli designs at their doorsteps.
2. Chithira (August 15, 2023) – On the second day of the festivities, people continue with their preparations for Onam. The excitement builds up as the main day of the festival approaches.
3. Chodhi (August 16, 2023) – On the third day of the festivities, the excitement reaches its peak as people start shopping for new clothes and gifts for their loved ones. Markets are buzzing with activity as people buy traditional Onam attire and festive goodies.
4. Vishakam (August 17, 2023) – On the fourth day of the festivities, the traditional Onam dance forms like Thiruvathirakali and Kaikottikali are performed in homes and community centers. People also start preparing the elaborate Onam feast, known as Onasadya.
5. Anizham (August 18, 2023) – On the fifth day of the festivities, the grand Onam feast is prepared and served to family and friends. The Onasadya consists of a variety of traditional dishes like avial, olan, thoran, and payasam, served on a banana leaf.
6. Thriketa (August 19, 2023) – On the sixth day of the festivities, people visit temples and offer prayers to seek the blessings of the gods. They also indulge in cultural programs and traditional games like boat races and tug of war.
7. Moolam (August 20, 2023) – On the seventh day of the festivities, people bid farewell to King Mahabali with great reverence and gratitude. They believe that the King visits his subjects during the festival and blesses them with prosperity and happiness.
8. Pooradam (August 21, 2023) – On the eighth day of the festivities, people start dismantling the pookalam (floral carpet) that they had created at their doorsteps. The flowers are carefully removed and discarded as a symbol of the end of the festival.
9. Uthradam (August 22, 2023) – On the ninth day of the festivities, people prepare for the departure of King Mahabali by cleaning their homes and decorating them with lamps and flowers. The day is marked by prayers and rituals to bid farewell to the beloved King.
10. Thiruvonam (August 23, 2023) – On the tenth and final day of the festivities, the grand Onam feast is prepared and served to family and friends. People dress up in their traditional attire and participate in cultural programs and games to celebrate the joyous occasion.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of Onam?
Onam is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical ruler who is believed to have been banished to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu. The festival is a time to celebrate the bounty of nature and the blessings of the King.
2. How is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Kerala. They clean their homes, decorate them with flowers, and make elaborate rangoli designs at their doorsteps. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and merrymaking, as people come together to celebrate the joyous occasion.
3. What are the traditional dishes served during Onam?
The traditional Onam feast, known as Onasadya, consists of a variety of dishes like avial (mixed vegetable curry), olan (ash gourd curry), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), and payasam (sweet pudding). The dishes are served on a banana leaf and eaten with the hands in the traditional manner.
4. What are some of the cultural programs and games associated with Onam?
During Onam, people participate in traditional dance forms like Thiruvathirakali and Kaikottikali. They also engage in cultural programs like boat races and tug of war. These activities are a way to celebrate the festive spirit and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
In conclusion, Onam is a time for joy, unity, and gratitude. As we look forward to Onam 2023, let us remember the important dates associated with the festive season and celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm and zeal. May this Onam bring happiness, prosperity, and blessings to all!
