Why do we celebrated onam?

Onam Date 2024 falls on September 17, 2024. Onam is a major festival celebrated in Kerala, India, to honor the legendary King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit his former kingdom during the festival. The celebration, which falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), signifies the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season. Onam is marked by a vibrant array of cultural events including the grand Onam Sadya (a feast with various traditional dishes), intricate floral designs called Pookalam, traditional dances like Thiruvathira and Pulikali, and boat races. The festival embodies themes of prosperity, unity, and cultural heritage, reflecting the region’s rich traditions and communal harmony. It is a time for family gatherings, joy, and festive spirit.

Onam 2024: Date, Time, and Significance

Time:
The festival’s timing varies with local traditions, but it generally begins with the festival’s main events, including the Onam Sadya (feast) and cultural activities, taking place throughout the day.

Significance:
Onam is celebrated to honor King Mahabali, a mythical demon king believed to visit Kerala annually during the festival. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest period. The festival reflects themes of prosperity, unity, and cultural pride. Traditional celebrations include elaborate feasts, floral decorations known as Pookalam, traditional dance performances like Thiruvathira, and the famous Vallamkali (boat races). Onam embodies the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, bringing families and communities together in joyous and colorful festivities.