Malayalam Calendar 2024 August Onam

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As someone who grew up in Kerala, I have always been fascinated by the vibrant festivals and traditions that are an integral part of our culture. One festival that holds a special place in my heart is Onam, which is celebrated in the month of August as per the Malayalam Calendar. In this article, I will share my personal experience of Onam and delve deeper into the significance of this festival.

What is Onam?

Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala, India. It is a ten-day long festival that starts on the day of Atham, which is the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam. The festival culminates on the day of Thiru Onam, which is considered to be the most auspicious day of the festival.

The Legend of Onam

According to legend, Onam is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was a just and benevolent ruler. It is believed that during his reign, Kerala was a prosperous and peaceful kingdom. However, his growing power and popularity began to worry the gods, who feared that he would become too powerful. They approached Lord Vishnu, who took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached King Mahabali for alms. The king was known for his generosity and he granted Vamana’s wish for three steps of land. Vamana then grew in size and with his first two steps, covered the earth and the skies. For his third step, King Mahabali offered his own head, which Vamana stepped on. However, before doing so, he granted King Mahabali a wish to visit his kingdom once every year. It is said that Onam is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali and to showcase the prosperity and happiness of his kingdom.

Events and Festivals in Malayalam Calendar 2024 August Onam

The month of Chingam is filled with a plethora of events and festivals that lead up to the grand celebration of Onam. Here are some of the key events and festivals:

• Atham: The first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam marks the beginning of Onam festivities. People decorate their homes with intricate floral patterns called ‘Pookalam’ and prepare traditional dishes.
• Chithira: On this day, people start preparing for the grand procession of King Mahabali’s statue that takes place on Thiru Onam.
• Chodhi: This day marks the start of shopping for new clothes and household items for the festival.
• Visakam: This day is dedicated to the preparation of the traditional ‘Onam Sadya’, a vegetarian feast that consists of over 20 dishes served on a banana leaf.
• Anizham: This day is dedicated to shopping for gifts and sweets.
• Thriketa: On this day, people start preparing for the grand feast that will be served on Thiru Onam.
• Moolam: This day is dedicated to the preparation of the traditional ‘Onam Pookalam’, a floral decoration that is made using different varieties of flowers.
• Pooradam: Preparations for the grand procession of King Mahabali’s statue continue on this day.
• Uthradam: This day marks the eve of Thiru Onam and people start preparing for the grand feast that will be served on the next day.
• Thiru Onam: The most auspicious day of the festival, Thiru Onam is celebrated with great pomp and show. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and exchange gifts. The highlight of the day is the grand feast that is served on a banana leaf and consists of over 20 dishes.

Celebration of Onam

Onam is a festival that brings people together and celebrates the rich culture and tradition of Kerala. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and merrymaking. People dress up in traditional attire and participate in various cultural programs and competitions. The traditional ‘Onam Sadya’ is a feast that is served on a banana leaf and consists of over 20 dishes. The feast is a symbol of the prosperity and happiness of King Mahabali’s kingdom. The floral decoration called ‘Pookalam’ is made using different varieties of flowers and is a symbol of the vibrant and colorful culture of Kerala. The grand procession of King Mahabali’s statue is a spectacle that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Question and Answer

Q. When is Onam celebrated?

A. Onam is celebrated in the month of August as per the Malayalam Calendar.

Q. What is the legend behind Onam?

A. Onam is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was a just and benevolent ruler.

Q. What is the traditional feast served during Onam?

A. The traditional feast served during Onam is called ‘Onam Sadya’ and consists of over 20 dishes served on a banana leaf.

FAQs

Q. Is Onam only celebrated in Kerala?

A. Yes, Onam is primarily celebrated in Kerala, India.

Q. What is the significance of the floral decoration called ‘Pookalam’?

A. ‘Pookalam’ is a symbol of the vibrant and colorful culture of Kerala. It is made using different varieties of flowers and is used to decorate homes and public spaces during Onam.

Q. Is Onam a religious festival?

A. No, Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated by people of all religions in Kerala.

Q. What are some traditional games played during Onam?

A. Some traditional games played during Onam include ‘Vadam Vali’ (tug of war), ‘Uriyadi’ (breaking a hanging pot blindfolded), and ‘Kayyankali’ (a traditional martial art form).

In conclusion, Onam is a festival that celebrates the rich culture and tradition of Kerala. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and merrymaking, and brings people together to showcase the prosperity and happiness of King Mahabali’s kingdom. It is a festival that I look forward to every year and I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the beauty and significance of Onam.