Onam, Kerala’s biggest festival, is around the corner. The festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar. According to the English calendar, this year, Onam begins on 15 August and will end on 27 August.
Though the festival lasts 10 days, some celebrations continue for days after Thiruvonam. Several cultural events like snake boat races and pulikali (tiger plays) take place during the festival.
Here are the complete details for Onam 2018:
What Are the Dates, Timings and Rituals for Onam 2018?
Thiruvonam, which marks the end of Onam celebrations, is on 25 August this year.
Thiruvonam Nakshathram begins on 06:48 on 24 August
Thiruvonam Nakshathram ends on 09:49 on 25 August
During the festival, Malayalis feast on an elaborate 9-course vegetarian spread, known as the Onasadya. It consists of dishes such as sambhar, rice, avial, thoran and payasam among others.
Kummati Kali (mask dance), Onathallu ( martial arts), elephant parade, Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes) are also a part of Onam celebrations.
Why is Onam Celebrated?
According to legend, Onam is celebrated to welcome and honour the spirit of King Mahabali – a demon King who was revered for his generosity and fair rule.
According to Vaishnava mythology, King Mahabali wanted to conquer heaven, having established control on all of the planet. Threatened by his strength and outraged by his ambition, the Gods pleaded to Lord Vishnu to help them defeat Mahabali. Even though Mahabali was a devout devotee of Vishnu, the latter agreed to help the Gods in disguise.
He took the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a agni-yajana. It was an opportune moment as Mahabali was known for not displeasing anyone – who asked him for something – during this fire-sacrifice.
Vamana asked the King to grant him land worth three steps. Unable to see through the disguise, the King conceded. It was now that Vishnu revealed his true self. In two steps, he claimed the earth and the skies for himself. For the third, the king offered his head. Pleased by his devotion, Vishnu let him return to earth to visit his people once a year. His homecoming is celebrated as Onam.
To welcome the king, people decorate their homes, make flower rangolis also known as pookalam and prepare a grand feast. The arrival of the king is marked with celebrations that involve dance, games and songs, known as Onakkalikal.
Malayalam Movies Releasing This Onam
Much-awaited Malayalam movies such as Padayottam and Varathan are slated to be released this Onam.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)