Onam 2024: Date, Time and Significance

Onam is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Kerala, symbolising the harvest season and the return of the mythical King Mahabali. It is a festival filled with cultural traditions, family gatherings, and festive joy, observed by all communities in Kerala, regardless of religion. In 2024, Onam will be celebrated from Friday, 6 September to Sunday, 15 September, with the main Onam day, Thiruvonam, falling on Sunday, 15 September.

Onam 2024 Date and Time
Start Date: Friday, September 6, 2024.
End Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Main Onam Day (Thiruvonam): Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins: 08:32 PM on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends: 06:49 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

The 10 Days of Onam

• Atham (Day 1): The festival starts with the creation of the Pookalam, a floral arrangement, and prayers mark the beginning of the celebrations.
• Chithira (Day 2): People clean their homes, and the Pookalam is made larger.
• Chodhi (Day 3): New clothes (Onakkodi) are purchased, and the Pookalam continues to grow.
• Vishakam (Day 4): Preparations for the grand Onasadya feast begin, and the markets are bustling with activity.
• Anizham (Day 5): The famous Snake Boat Races (Vallamkali) are held.
• Thriketa (Day 6): Families start gathering for the celebrations.
• Moolam (Day 7): Traditional dance performances like Kaikottikali and Pulikali take place.
• Pooradam (Day 8): The Pookalam reaches its full size, with final touches added.
• Uthradam (Day 9): Known as Onam Eve, families make final preparations for the grand feast.
• Thiruvonam (Day 10): The main day of celebration with the grand Onasadya feast, worship, and festivities.

Though rooted in Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated by all communities in Kerala, making it a secular and inclusive festival. The grand feast, Onasadya, is one of the highlights, where families and friends gather to share a meal, reinforcing the bond of unity.

History of Onam
Onam is deeply connected to the legend of King Mahabali, a ruler known for his generosity, kindness, and equality. His reign was marked by prosperity and peace, which eventually caused concern among the gods, fearing Mahabali’s growing influence.

To contain his power, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached Mahabali, asking for three paces of land. Mahabali generously agreed, and Vamana expanded in size, covering the earth and the sky in two steps. With no space left for the third, Mahabali offered his head. Touched by Mahabali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year, and Onam commemorates this annual return of Mahabali to Kerala.