Onam in India ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Onam in India and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala in India. It is also known as the “festival of plenty” because it marks the end of the harvest season. Onam is celebrated for 10 days, starting from the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September). The most important day of the festival is the tenth day, which is also known as Thiruvonam.
Onam is a secular festival, and people of all religions and castes participate in the celebrations. The main attractions of Onam are the elaborate feasts (Sadya), elephant procession (Athachamayam), snake boat races ( Vallamkali), flower decorations (Pookalam), and folk dances (Kaikottikalli).
The origin of Onam is unclear, but it is believed to be a celebration of the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was a just and righteous ruler who was loved by his subjects. However, he was tricked into giving up his kingdom by the god Vishnu, and was banished to the underworld. Mahabali’s spirit is said to visit Kerala every year during Onam, and the festival is a way of welcoming him back.
Onam is also a time for family reunions, as people from all over the world come home to Kerala to celebrate with their loved ones. For many, Onam is the most important festival of the year, and it is a time to celebrate the state’s rich culture and heritage.