Onam

Onam festival is mainly celebrated in Kerala. It is also celebrated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and other regions. It is celebrated with great pomp in Kerala. Onam is called Thiruvonam in Malayalam language. Thiru means sacred and Onam is the name of the festival. Lord Shri Hari and King Bali are worshiped on this day. This festival is celebrated on Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. On the occasion of Onam festival, the famous snake boat race and Kathakali dance is organized with great enthusiasm in Kerala. This festival is also celebrated to celebrate the arrival of new crops. This festival, which lasts for 10 days, is considered a symbol of progress, prosperity and humility. The first day of this festival is called Atham, the second is Chithira, the third is Chodi, the fourth is Visakham, the fifth is Anizam, the sixth is Triketa, the seventh is Moolam, the eighth is Pooradam, the ninth is called Uthradam and the tenth day is called Thiruvonam.

Reason for celebrating Onam festival

According to religious belief, Lord Vishnu had broken the pride of the demon king Mahabali by taking the incarnation of Vaman. Then after making a promise, Lord Vishnu sent King Bali to the underworld. On this day, King Bali comes to earth from the underworld to bless his subjects, in whose joy this festival is celebrated. To welcome Lord Vaman and King Bali, people clean their houses, make rangoli and decorate their houses using flowers and other decorations and worship King Bali and Lord Vaman.

How to celebrate Onam festival

The festival of Onam is celebrated for 10 days. On the first day of Onam festival, in the morning after bathing etc., people go to the temple and offer prayers. After the puja, fried papad and banana are mainly consumed for breakfast and also Pakalam (flower rangoli on the floor) is made in homes. On the second day, homes are adorned with flowers, and they continue to decorate the house with various kinds of flowers for the next ten days. On the third day, there is a shopping spree in preparation for the main day of the festival, and items are purchased from the market.

Women prepare a new dish every day. On the fourth day, women prepare chips and pickles, among other things, for the main day's celebration. On the fifth day, there is a boat race competition known as "Vallamkali." On the sixth day, various programs are organized in which everyone actively participates. On the seventh day, different types of dishes are prepared in homes. All family members enjoy various sweets and dishes. On the eighth day, a triangular idol of King Bali is created, referred to as "Maa."

The ninth day of Onam is very special. All preparations are completed by this day, and everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of King Mahabali. The tenth day, which is the final day of the Onam festival, is the most special day. In the joy of King Mahabali's arrival, people exchange greetings and happily conclude the festival by organizing dance performances and other celebrations.