Onam 2024 – Kerala Festival, Significance, Celebration, Thiruvonam

Onam, one of the most cherished festivals of South Indian culture, is set to dazzle Kerala once again in 2024. This vibrant and ritualistic celebration is embraced by Malayalees of all religions, castes, and beliefs, uniting them in a joyous display of tradition and culture. Onam marks the period when the beloved King Mahabali is believed to return to his kingdom, bringing with him prosperity and happiness.

Spanning ten days, Onam 2024 begins at the start of the Malayalam month ‘Chingam,’ which falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar. Each day of this grand festival is celebrated with unique and colorful traditions, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. From elaborate feasts to traditional dances, Onam is a time of immense joy and communal harmony, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Onam 2024 will be observed from September 5 to September 15. While Hindus celebrate it with religious fervor, others embrace it as a cultural festival. Stay tuned for more details on the celebrations, significance, and activities associated with Onam 2024 in our upcoming articles.

Onam 2024 Calendar

Onam 2024, the vibrant festival celebrated across Kerala, will span from September 5 to September 15. This ten-day extravaganza begins with Atham on September 5 and culminates with Thiruvonam on September 15, which is the main day of the celebration. Each day of the festival features unique customs and activities, including elaborate floral decorations (Pookalam), traditional feasts (Onasadya), and cultural performances such as Kathakali and Pulikali. The festival’s progression includes significant days like Chithira on September 6, Moolam on September 8, and Uthradom on September 14, each marked by specific rituals and local traditions. The Onam calendar 2024 promises a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and community spirit, offering a time for both joyous celebration and reflection.

Onam 2024 Date

Onam 2024 will be celebrated from September 5 to September 15. The festival kicks off with Atham on September 5, leading up to the main event, Thiruvonam, on September 15. This ten-day celebration is marked by a series of traditional events and activities that showcase Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and communal harmony.

Onam 2024 Date Malayalam Calendar

In 2024, Onam begins on Chingam 18 and ends on Chingam 28. This marks the festive period from September 5 to September 15 in the Gregorian calendar. Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes a series of traditional events, culminating in the grand feast and vibrant festivities of Thiruvonam, which falls on Chingam 28.

Historical Significance of Onam – September 05 to September 15

The origins of Onam can be traced back to ancient times, with references found in early texts and inscriptions. The festival’s early documentation appears in the Tamil work Maturaikkanci, which mentions Onam being celebrated at the Madurai Temple. By the 19th century, Onam had gained prominence through the works of Periyazharwar, who celebrated it in hymns dedicated to Vishnu and the broader community.

Inscriptions from the 11th century at the Thrikkakara Temple, dedicated to Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu, reveal that the festival was observed with rituals on Thiru Onam and other significant days. Similarly, a 12th-century inscription from the Thiruvalla Temple, one of the largest Vishnu temples, details contributions made to the temple as part of Onam festival alms.

The festival’s cultural significance is further highlighted by the Sanskrit poet Uddanda Sastrikal, who was associated with the court of the Zamorin. He referred to the festival as Sravana, which is derived from the Sanskrit word for the Nakshatra (star) associated with Thiruvonam. European accounts from the 16th century also provide insights into Onam, noting the festival’s celebration and the various customs observed in September.

Historically, Onam has evolved from a local Hindu community festival into a grand celebration recognized across Kerala and beyond. The festival, as documented by historians like Kurup, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala, blending ancient traditions with vibrant contemporary practices.

Celebrating Onam 2024: Mahabali and the Onam Festival

King Mahabali, also known as Maveli, was a revered ruler of Kerala who won the hearts of his people through his just and equitable rule. He treated everyone with respect, irrespective of caste, wealth, or status, which endeared him to his subjects. However, his popularity and fairness alarmed the gods, who grew concerned about his growing influence.

To address this, the gods enlisted Lord Vishnu, who took on the guise of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana. Vamana approached King Mahabali and requested just three paces of land. The generous king agreed, and Vamana’s first step covered the entire earth, his second step spanned the sky, and for his third step, the king bowed and offered his own head. Vamana then placed his third step on Mahabali’s head, sending the king to the netherworld.

Pleased by Mahabali’s humility and devotion, Vishnu granted him the boon to return to his kingdom once a year. This annual visit is celebrated as the Onam festival, a time when people of Kerala welcome Mahabali with great joy and festivity.

Onam 2024 – Atham to Thiruvonam

The festival Onam lasts for ten days where each day has its own importance and uniqueness in celebration. The Onam 2024 in Kerala will begin on September 05  till September 15, 2024. The value, significance and names of each days are discussed below;

• Atham/Day 1: The very first day of Onam which is believed that Mahabali begins the preparations to visit his kingdom, this day is observed by the people of Kerala by filling their house with flower designs/Pookalam and also keeps the statues of King Mahabali and Vamana in their homes.
• Chithira/Day 2: On the second day of Onam people start cleaning their house and surroundings. A new layer of flower design will be added on the second day.
• Chodi/Day 3: People began their shopping for the Onam celebration on this day and along with a new layer of flowers will be added to their Pookalam.
• Vishakam/Day 4: On the fourth day, the keralites set up a spectrum of competitions which is the best part of Onam celebration.
• Anizham/Day 5: The speciality of the fourth day is, in various parts of State Kerala the Boat Race ‘vallamkali’ gets started.
• Thriketta/Day 6: On the sixth day of celebration the Onam Holidays will be announced in schools and other institutions. People will get completely involved in the Onam celebrations.
• Moolam/Day 7: As the seventh day of Onam celebration, the ‘Onam Sadya’ will be prepared, distributed and invites each other for sharing moments together. By the time of the seventh day the whole Kerala state will be decorated.
• Pooradam/Day 8: On the eight day, people bring the Statues of King Mahabali and Vamana in the center of their Pookalam.
• Uthradam/Day 9: The day before or ninth day is the most important day. People prepare for organizing a grand meal with different types of vegetables. This day is believed as The King Mahabali reaches the earth.
• Thiruvonam/Day 10: The last day of Onam festival, on this day people give more importance to worship. The Malayalees get early on this day, visit temples, exchange Onam gifts and end the day by having ‘Thiruvona Sadya.’

Which is the Main Day of Onam 2024?

The main day of Onam 2024 is Thiruvonam, which falls on September 15. Thiruvonam is the pinnacle of the Onam festival, celebrated with immense enthusiasm and cultural richness throughout Kerala. This day marks the return of the beloved King Mahabali and is observed with a variety of traditional activities. Homes are decorated with intricate floral designs called Pookalam, and families gather to enjoy a grand feast known as Onasadya, featuring a diverse array of Kerala’s finest dishes. The celebrations also include vibrant traditional performances, cultural events, and community festivities, embodying the spirit of unity and prosperity that Thiruvonam represents.

Which Date is Thiruvonam?

Thiruvonam, the most significant day of the Onam festival, will be observed on September 15, 2024. This day marks the culmination of a ten-day celebration in Kerala, honoring the return of the revered King Mahabali. Thiruvonam is characterized by its vibrant celebrations and deep cultural significance. On this day, homes are adorned with elaborate floral designs known as Pookalam, and families come together to enjoy a sumptuous Onasadya, a grand feast featuring a variety of traditional Kerala dishes. The festivities also include traditional dance performances, cultural events, and community gatherings, all reflecting the rich heritage and unity of Kerala. Thiruvonam is a time of joy and togetherness, embodying the spirit of prosperity and harmony that the Onam festival represents.

Onam Celebration 2024 – Tradition of the Festival

Onam 2024 is marked on the beginning of month Chingam. The people around Kerala celebrate the ten days festival with various activities and celebrations including pookalam, boat races, different sports, cultural events, martial arts, worship and so on. As a trend of people of Kerala, the Men and Women wear their traditional dress on this festival. Some of the traditional events discussed below;

• Athachamayam: The celebration of Onam begins with an impressive parade called ‘Athachamayam’ at Tripunithura near Cochin. The procession includes elephant marching, folk arts, music, fancy dressed people, drum beats etc. Historically, the parade starts from Tripunithura to the Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara of Ernakulam District. After reaching the Temple people, people begin
• Pookkalam: Onam Pookalam or Floral Rangoli is the major part of Onam festival. The pookalam is made with different varieties of flowers, adding a fire lamp in the middle of the pookalam. Mostly a team of girls/women work on it. People start drawing pookalam at the beginning of Onam festival (Atham). The People of Kerala organizes Pookalam competition as part of celebration.
• Pulikali: Pulikali or Kaduvakali is a famous event during the festival of Onam. The participants dress themselves like Tigers and perform their art along with the beats of gadgets. This cultural art is very popular in Thrissur District, thousands visitors arrive annually to watch Pulikali. Along with Pulikali some official worship events, Theyyam are also held. Every year at Thrikkakara Temple, a platform is organized with activities like Kathakali, Patakam, OttamThullal, Chakyar Koothu, Thiruvathira followed by group songs.
• Onam Sadya: Onam Sadya is another best part of Onam festival. The keralite in this ten day festival prepares the feast and serves in plantain The Onam Sadya includes different varieties of vegetables dishes, chips, banana, pappadam, rasam, erisheri, pickles and follows a long list. The Onam Sadya always ends with sweet payasam (a South Indian Dessert). People also go to try a feast from outside. The Kurichians tribe observes the Onam festival as an occasion of eating new grains.
• Vallamkali: Vallamkali is also called the Snake Boat Race. The event is found during the time of Onam. Men and Women from different parts arrive to watch the famous event. Aranmula Uthrattathi and Nehru Trophy Boat Race are two among the famous list. Commonly the event is conducted at the Pampa River. As a tradition the Singapore Malayali diaspora organizes boat races at Jurong
• Post Onam Observances: Avittom or third day of Onam festival. This day is believed as the king prepares to visit his kingdom. The main formality of this day is, people take the Statue of Onathappan and immerse in the nearby After the official celebrations people remove the pookalam.

How to Celebrate Onam 2024

 Here are few ways to celebrate Onam 2024.

• As pookalam is an important part of Onam celebration, conduct a pookalam competition followed by an award ceremony.
• Onam games can be organized in your locality. Onam activities like tug of war, thala panthu kali, clap dance etc. Can be played by making different groups.
• Choice of being Mahabali for the ten day festival is a great Wearing the costume of the King Mahabali, Visiting the city and people will be more interesting.
• Families can hang swings on their balconies and gardens. Mainly little ones love this activity.
• Preparing the meal ‘Onam Sadya’, inviting friends and families, having some moments together, taking photos will add beauty in celebrations.
• The tradition of wearing Onapudava, both men and women can wear the traditional dress on the Onam festival.

Onam 2024 Wishes

• Warm Onam Wishes! May King Mahabali’s visit bring you prosperity and happiness. Enjoy the vibrant celebrations and the delightful Onasadya this year.
• Onam 2024 Greetings! May the festival illuminate your life with happiness and success. Wishing you a memorable and joyous Onam filled with love and laughter.
• Happy Onam! May this year’s celebrations be filled with colorful festivities, delectable feasts, and endless joy. Enjoy every moment of Onam 2024!
• Wishing you a joyous Thiruvonam! May the spirit of Onam 2024 bring harmony and joy to your life. Celebrate this festival with happiness and togetherness.
• Happy Onam 2024! May the essence of Onam fill your life with prosperity, peace, and joy. Enjoy the rich traditions and festive cheer with your loved ones.
• Onam 2024 Wishes! May the festival bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Celebrate with the warmth of family and the beauty of tradition.