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Onam - 5th September 2024 - LifeGuru

Welcome to the radiant celebration of Onam, a cherished festival from the heart of Kerala! As a festival specialist astrologer, I'm delighted to guide you through this vibrant occasion. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by Malayalis around the world.

It honors the legendary King Mahabali and welcomes him back to Kerala with colorful floral carpets, known as Pookalam, and sumptuous feasts. From traditional dances like Kathakali to thrilling boat races, Onam is a time of joy, unity, and cultural richness.


onam

Onam 2024 Timings, Rituals, Pujas and Mantras

Rituals of Onam 2024

Ten days are dedicated to the celebrations, with various rituals associated with each day. People get up early to celebrate the occasion by taking morning baths, giving their homes a thorough cleaning, decorating with lights and flowers, making Pookalam, preparing Onam Sadhya with seasonal vegetables, and using rice flour batter to paint elaborate designs on their front doors. A significant component of Onam celebrations is Onam Sadhya, also known as Onasadya, which consists of around 26 dishes that are made with the assistance of the entire family and eaten with the hands on a banana leaf.

In addition, during the Onam festivities, individuals dress in new outfits and give jewelry and traditional attire as gifts to loved ones. Boys like Pattu Pavada, women wear Kasavu saree, and men buy mundu. People like participating in other traditional events like Pulikali, which is a tableau including actors dressed as tigers and hunters, Vallamkali, a boat racing, Onakalikal, and archery during Onam.

Onam 2024 Timings

EventDateDay
AthamSeptember 1, 2024Sunday
ChithiraSeptember 2, 2024Monday
ChodhiSeptember 3, 2024Tuesday
VishakamSeptember 4, 2024Wednesday
AnizhamSeptember 5, 2024Thursday
ThriketaSeptember 6, 2024Friday
MoolamSeptember 7, 2024Saturday
PooradamSeptember 8, 2024Sunday
UthradamSeptember 9, 2024Monday
ThiruvonamSeptember 10, 2024Tuesday

Pujas of Onam 2024

During Onam festival puja, families create intricate flower carpets called Pookalam outside their homes. They also prepare a grand feast called Onasadya with various traditional dishes. The puja begins with offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, thanking him for the bountiful harvest. Families then gather to share the Onasadya together, fostering unity and joyous celebrations.

Mantras of Onam 2024

On Onam, chanting the sacred mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" holds profound significance, invoking the divine presence of Lord Krishna. This mantra resonates with spiritual energy, fostering inner peace and harmony while connecting devotees with the divine consciousness.

During Onam, chanting the mantra "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" brings peace and harmony to the festivities, invoking blessings for all. Chanting mantras in general helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote inner peace. It's like a soothing melody for the soul, guiding us towards happiness and spiritual fulfillment in our lives.


The Story of Onam

Mahabali and the asuras are sent to the netherworld, and Indra is given back control of the three worlds (Patala). But Vamana granted Mahabali's one wish to visit his country once a year after seeing how much a ruler cares for his subjects. Kerala celebrates this homecoming of Mahabali annually as Onam.


What is the 28th day of Onam?

The Grand Finale: Thiruvonam, the Heart of Onam

Thiruvonam is the highlight of the Onam festival, marking the end of the 10-day celebrations. Families prepare the grand Onam Sadhya feast, create pookalam (floral designs), and enjoy traditional games and cultural activities. It is a day of unity, prosperity, and cultural heritage.

Why It's Called the 28th Day and Its Significance in the Festival Calendar:

Thiruvonam is called the 28th day of Onam because it falls on the 28th nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Chingam. This day, symbolizing completeness, is believed to be the homecoming of King Mahabali, representing prosperity and harmony. The 28th day holds immense cultural and religious significance in Onam celebrations.

A Day Fit for a King: The Legend of Mahabali's Return

Retelling the Mythological Story Behind Onam:

Onam celebrates the legend of King Mahabali, a just and benevolent ruler. The gods, fearing his growing power, sought Lord Vishnu's help. Vishnu, as the dwarf Brahmin Vamana, asked Mahabali for three paces of land. Expanding to a cosmic size, Vishnu covered the earth and heavens in two strides. For the third, Mahabali offered his head. Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali an annual visit to his kingdom, celebrated as Onam.

How Thiruvonam Symbolizes King Mahabali's Annual Visit to Kerala:

Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, symbolizes King Mahabali's yearly visit to Kerala. On this day, people celebrate with grand feasts (Onam Sadhya), floral decorations (pookalam), and cultural activities to welcome the beloved king. Thiruvonam embodies joy, unity, and the prosperity of Mahabali's golden era.


Why is Onam celebrated in India?

Harvest-themed Onam celebration honors the return of the mythical King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated in late August or early September, when the entire state of Kerala is decorated with lights and Athapookkalam. Of all the legends surrounding Onam, the most well-known and captivating is the one about King Mahabali.


Importance of Onam

Keralans attach a lot of religious significance to Onam. By means of this festival, people express their appreciation to the earth for providing a bountiful crop. For the health and longevity of their family members, they pray to Lord Vamana and their adored King Mahabali.



Chat with our expert astrologers at Lifeguru and know more about Onam and the rituals of Onam

LifeGuru is your go-to platform for everything about the Onam festival. Why? Because we pride ourselves on having the best team of astrologers who have deep knowledge and years of experience. When you choose LifeGuru, you're choosing accuracy and authenticity. Our astrologers can provide the exact date for Onam based on planetary positions and ancient methods, ensuring you never miss the festival's significance.

Plus, if you have more questions, you can easily Chat with Astrologer on our platform to get all the details and insights you need. Choose LifeGuru and celebrate Onam with confidence.