Onam, the most popular festivals of Kerala, is being celebrated in Kerala and by the Malayalis across the world with great fervour and enthusiasm.
Onam is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of this auspicious occasion.
Onam is also called Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam (Sacred Onam Day). Sravanmahotsav is another name for this festival.
The 10-day festival that started on September 1 and will be on till September 13. Each day of Onam is given a different name and specific celebrations are done on each of these days
Atham (Day 1)
The festival starts with designing Pookkalam in which only yellow coloured flowers are used. The size of Pookkalam grows day by day.
Chithira (Day 2)
On this day, another layer of flowers is added to the Pookkalam and cleaning of house begins.
Chodi (Day 3)
The day starts with adding a new layer of flowers to the Pookklam. From this day, families begin shopping.
Vishakam (Day 4)
The day marks the start of various competitions in the state.
Anizham (Day 5)
The much-awaited and enthralling Vallamkali Boat Race begins in most parts of Kerala on the day 5 of Onam.
Thriketa (Day 6)
Schools in Kerala start to close for Onam on Day 6. People of the start from this day devote all their time to the celebrations.
Moolam (Day 7)
Most places see the beginning of Ona Sadya and the dance performances related to the festival, Onam. The state wears a festive look with almost all corners adorned with decoration which is a treat to the eyes.
Pooradam (Day 8)
On this day of Onam, statues of Vamana and King Mahabali are cleaned and installed in the centre of the Pookkalam.
Uthradom (Day 9)
This is one of the most crucial days of Onam where people buy fresh vegetables and cook traditional meals. According to beliefs, King Mahabali reaches the state on this day.
Thiruvonam (Day 10)
The festival sees much more enthusiasm among people and day 10 of Onam, people take an early bath, visit temples to offer prayers and exchange gifts. The lavish Onam Sadya (Special meal for Onam) is cooked in all households.
Normally, most of Onam celebrations end by Thiruvonam. However, following Thiruvonam Third and Fourth Onam are celebrated. The third Onam which is called Avvittom, marks the preparations for King Mahabali's return ascension to heavens. The main ritual of the day is to take the Onathappan statue, which was placed in the middle of every Pookkalam during the past 10 days, for immersion. Pookkalam is cleaned and removed after this ritual.
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