Onam Festival. The Festival of Harvesting
What is Onam Festival and when is it?
Onam Festival is celebrated in the beginning of the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kolla Varsham) called Chingam. This month corresponds to August-September in Gregorian Calendar and Bhadrapada or Bhadon in Indian (Hindu) Calendar.
Significance of Onam Day in Mythology
The dayof Onam is decided in accordance with the legend of King Mahabali in whose honor Onam is celebrated. People believe that it was this particular day in the month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world.
People believe that it is on the last day, Tiruonam that the spirit of King Maveli visits Kerala, hence the day is marked by feast and festivities. Devotees of Maveli celebrate the golden era witnessed in Maveli's reign during Onam. To welcome their revered ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the front courtyard, prepare a grand meal (Onasadya), dance, play and make merry. All this is done to impress upon King Mahabali that his people are prosperous and happy.
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When is Thiru Onam?
Onam carnival continues for ten days, starting from the day of Atham and culminating on Thiru Onam. Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important days for Onam festivities. The day of Atham is decided by the position of stars. Onam festival commences from lunar asterism (a cluster of stars smaller than a constellation) Atham (Hastha) that appears ten days before asterism Onam or Thiru Onam. Atham is regarded as auspicious and holy day by people of Kerala. Thiru Onam corresponds to the Shravan day in the month of August or September, hence it is also called Sravanotsavam.
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At this time sun is in the Zodiac sign of Leo (Simha rasi), which happens to be the sun's house as well.
Onam 2018 Dates
Atham - (August 15, 2018)
Chithira - (August 16, 2018)
Chodhi - (August 17, 2018)
Vishakham - (August 18, 2018)
Anizham - (August 19, 2018)
Thriketa - (August 20, 2018)
Moolam - (August 21, 2018)
Pooradam - (August 22, 2018)
Uthradom - (August 23, 2018)
First Onam/Uthradom - August 24, 2018
Second Onam/Thiruvonam - August 25, 2018)
Third Onam/Avvittom - August 26, 2018
Fourth Onam/Chatayam - August 27, 2018
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