Onam 2023: Thiruvonam Date, Timings, Significance — All You Need To Know About This Kerala Festival

Onam 2023: The grand festival of Onam is a time of joy, unity, and reverence, as people of Kerala celebrate their rich cultural heritage and express their gratitude to the legendary King Mahabali.

With the spirit of camaraderie and festivity, the people of Kerala welcome the auspicious occasion of Thiruvonam, embracing the essence of this cherished tradition. (Representational Image) ( Image Source :Getty )

Onam 2023: The annual Kerala festival of Onam will commence on August 20 with Atham and culminate with Thiruvonam on Thursday, August 31. The festival of Onam, celebrated by Malayalees across the world in the month of Chingam, holds great significance as it commemorates the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and the joyous return of the legendary King Mahabali.

Onam, Kerala's most popular festival, is usually celebrated in the months of August or September and also serves as a major harvest festival.

Onam 2023: Thiruvonam Date And Timings

According to Drik Panchang, Thiruvonam Nakshathram begins at 02:43 am and concludes at 11:50 pm on Aug 29, 2023.

Onam 2023: Celebrations

The festivities of Onam commence on Atham day (the day of Atham Nakshatra) and continue for 10 days, culminating with Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day during the entire celebration. Atham Nakshatra is known as Hasta Nakshatra in other Hindu calendars.

History Of Onam Festival 

In ancient mythology, King Mahabali of Kerala emerged victorious against the Gods and reigned over all three worlds. His rule was characterised by prosperity and grandeur, bringing joy to his subjects. The immense popularity of King Mahabali became a concern for the Gods, prompting them to seek the intervention of Lord Vishnu to contain his power. To accomplish this, Lord Vishnu descended on Earth in his Vamana avatar (a dwarf Brahmin) and approached the king, asking for some of Mahabali's land. He cleverly asked Mahabali to give him the amount of land he would cover in just three paces. Obliging the Brahmin, King Mahabali granted the request.

Lord Vishnu covered all of Mahabali's land in just three paces. With no land left for him on Earth, Mahabali had to then go the netherworld. But Lord Vishnu granted him a special boon that he would be able to visit his beloved land once a year. Onam is celebrated to commemorate the Mahabali's annual homecoming and is marked by vibrant festivities and cultural traditions.

The grand festival of Onam is a time of joy, unity, and reverence, as people come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and express their gratitude to the legendary King Mahabali. With the spirit of camaraderie and festivity, the people of Kerala welcome Mahabali with flower carpets at the entrance of their homes and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Onam.