Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of Kerala. It is celebrated by Malayalis irrespective of their location. There is no religious difference for celebrating Onam and it is celebrated with a special jeal by Keralites living all over the world. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state . It is a 10 days celebration. Onam day is decided based on Solar Calendar. Onam is celebrated in Chingam month on Malayalam Solar Calendar. Chingam month is known as Simha month in other solar calendars and Avani month in Tamil Calendar.
Onam History, why is Onam Celebrated?
Although Onam is a harvest festival, there is a story attached to it. It has been said that in the land of backwaters everyone in the kingdom of king Mahabali lived happily. The growing popularity and fame of king Mahabali implanted jealousy in the minds of Gods. His good rule was based on welfare and they began to feel jealous of him as they were worried of a place in earth becoming better than heaven, they prayed to Mahavishnu to get rid off Mahabali , and that wish was granted by Mahavishnu. He took the avatar of a dwarf Brahman – Vamana, and he asked grant of three feet of land to Mahabali. Mahabali granted land with pleasure to Vamanan. With first two steps , Vaamanan who grew up in size measured land and heaven and when he couldn’t find a place for his third step, Mahabali advised him to place it on his head. Impressed by Mahabali’s generosity Vamanan offered Mahabali the kingdom of Patala( underworld). He accepted that with pleasure, on one condition of allowing him to visit his beloved people once a year. Onam is the festival of welcoming the ancient ruler Mahabali.
Onam Observances, Onam 2017 Timings
Onam 2017 is on September 4, Monday
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends = 11:18 on 4/Sep/2017
Onam Observances, Onam 2016 Timings
Onam 2016 is on September 13, Tuesday
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends = 10:08 on 14/Sep/2016