Onam 2024: Onam is the biggest annual harvest and cultural festival of Kerala where the traditions, cultures and community events go along for ten long days. The festival highlights the heritage of Kerala to commemorate King Mahabali. From beautiful flower rangolis to exciting boat races, each day of Onam has its own charm and significance, making it a celebration for people of all ages.
Day 1: Atham
The festival of Onam begins with Atham, a significant day when families begin the celebration by cleaning their homes and making vibrant rangolis, called Pookalam. This day marks the beginning of the preparations for the grand feast of Onam and is symbolic to the starting of the festive season. The making of Pookalam continutes for the following days using beautiful patterns and a huge variety of flowers.
Day 2: Chithira
Chithira is the second day of Onam and is marked by making the Pookalam even bigger. Special prayers are offered to seek blessings today. On this day, the tradition of welcoming King Mahabali with great enthusiasm and participation in rituals and offerings continue. The increasing size of Pookalam symbolises the growth of joy and the community's excitement as they prepare for the upcoming rituals.
Day 3: Chodhi
The third day of Onam is marked by social and cultural events. People come together to enjoy dance, drama and music. The Pookalam on this day is expanded even more and intricate designs are added to it. Preparations continue for the grand Onam feast and other celebrations in the coming days.
Day 4: Vishakam
On Vishakam, the fourth day, Pookalam is further elaborated and clay idols of King Mahabali and King Vamana are placed in the courtyards. Festivites are held in each family and traditional rituals are performed. People enthusiastically participate in the rituals to welcome the spirit of the beloved King Mahabali who has been known as the charitable king according to the mythologies.
Day 5: Anizham
Anizham is renowned for the beautiful Vallamkali or the boat races held in Alappuzha. Teams compete in long snake boat races, displaying their speed and performance in a wonderful and exciting way. This is the highlight of the Onam festival.
Day 6: Thriketa
On Thriketa, families focus on decorating the Pookalam and preparing for the grand Onam feast. Traditions continue and community gatherings create a festive atmosphere in the whole state.
Day 7: Moolam
On the 7th day, Moolam, new designs are added to the Pookalam and it's expanded further. Special prayers and celebrations are held and the whole state is filled with anticipation for the festival.
Day 8: Pooradam
The eighth day of Onam is Pooradam. The Pookalam is completed on this day with intricate designs. The planting of the clay idol of King Mahabali which is known as 'Onathappan', takes place. This day of Onam festival is marked by preparing for the grand Onam feast and finalising all festive arrangements.