Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. It is also the state festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.
The festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug – Sep) and marks the commemoration of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali whom Malayalees consider their King.
In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with the most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam, etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival.
Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the month of Chingam, celebrate the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Patala (the underworld).
Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory. The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honor of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated.
The deity Vamana, also called Onatthappan, was revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam). The birthday of Sri Padmanabhan, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. Thiruonam day is the most important day of Onam.
Indiamanthan wishes you a very Happy Onam.
