Onam 2023: People are preparing to celebrate the auspicious festival of Kerala, Onam, with great enthusiasm. This harvest festival is also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam and commemorates the return of King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state. Onam is ten days long, and each day has great significance. Following the first day is Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam. As the culmination of the 10-day-long Onam festivities, Thiruvonam is the most auspicious day. According to the Malayali calendar, Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, which occurs between August and September. Onam also signifies the start of the Malayalam calendar year, known as Kolla Varsham. Find out when Onam is and about the 10 days of Onam by scrolling through the page.
This year, Onam celebrations will commence on August 20 and conclude on August 31. The Thiruvonam Nakshatram will begin on August 29 at 2:43 am and end at 11:50 pm, per the Drik Panchang.
Chingam 1 2023 Date: History, Rituals, Celebrations, Significance of Malayalam New Year and Onam
Onam 2023: The 10 days of Onam, the auspicious harvest celebration
The Atham
Atham signifies the commencement of the Onam celebrations and the preparations for Mahabali’s return to his kingdom. The first day of this auspicious harvest festival is commemorated with magnificent processions such as the Athachamayam at the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple and all over Kochi. On this day, people also begin layering Pookalam (made of yellow petals). On the first day, the Athapoo basal layer is created.
The Chithira
Chithira is the second day of Onam and is celebrated with grandeur by Malayali households. They visit temples and add two more layers of orange and yellow petal-based Pookalam.
The Chodi
Chodi is the name of the third day of Onam celebrations. On this day, people buy their loved ones new clothing and accessories. The ceremony is known as Onakkodi. Men choose to purchase mundu, while boys favour Pattu Pavada and women don Kasavi sarees.In honour of this event, a new layer is added to the Pookalam.
The Vishakam
Vishakam, the fourth day of Onam, marks the beginning of preparations for Onasadya. Families begin stocking their homes with the season’s first harvest as they prepare a variety of dishes to commemorate the festival.
The Anizham
The name of the fifth day is Anizham. On this day, the Pamba River hosts the renowned canoe race competition Vallamkali.
Thriketta
The sixth day of Onam festivities is Thriketta. On this day, families pray for blessings at their ancestral homes and temples. People also add fresh flowers to the Pookalam.
The Moolam
The seventh day of Onam festivities is referred to as Moolam. On this day, temples begin to offer Onasadya. In addition, folk performances such as Pulikali and Kaikottukali are performed throughout Kerala.
The Pooradam
The eighth day of the festival is Pooradam. The Pookalam expands on the seventh day as additional blossoms are added daily. To initiate the Pooradam ritual, clay statues of Mahabali and Vamana are positioned in the centre of the Pookalam. This gesture, according to legend, extended Mahabali an invitation to visit every household.
The Uthradom
The name of the ninth day is Uthradom. People make extraordinary preparations for the First Onam, also known as the advent of Mahabali. Various dishes are prepared with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables.
The Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the tenth day of Onam and is regarded as one of the festival’s most auspicious days. This concludes the Onam festivities. To greet King Mahabali, people paint intricate designs on their front doors with rice flour batter on this day. Families prepare and partake in Onasadya, the lavish Onam feast.
