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Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural richness. It is a festival that transcends religious boundaries and unites people across the state in celebration. But when is Onam 2024, and what makes this festival so special? This article will explore the answers to these questions and more, offering insights into the history, significance, and unique traditions of Onam.
What is Onam?
Before diving into the specifics of when Onam is celebrated, it’s important to understand what Onam is. Onam is an annual harvest festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Kerala. It is considered the most important festival in the region, marked by various cultural events, traditional feasts, and rituals.
What is Onam Festival? Onam is a ten-day-long festival that commemorates the return of King Mahabali, a mythical king who is believed to visit Kerala every year during this time. The festival is a time of joy, abundance, and gratitude, as it celebrates the harvest season and the prosperity that comes with it.
Also Check: GK Questions on Onam 2024
Why Onam Festival is Celebrated?
The story behind why Onam festival is celebrated dates back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, King Mahabali was a generous and beloved ruler who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar. However, due to his love for his people, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his kingdom once a year. Onam marks this annual visit, and the festival is a grand welcome to the king.
This mythological background explains why Onam festival is celebrated with such grandeur, as it symbolizes the return of a golden age of prosperity and happiness under King Mahabali’s reign.
When is Onam 2024?
When is Onam 2024 celebrated? This is a question that resonates with millions of people eager to plan their celebrations. In 2024, Onam will begin on Friday, September 6th, and the main day, known as Thiruvonam, will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15th.
The festival spans ten days, starting with Atham and culminating in Thiruvonam. Each day has its significance and is marked by different rituals and cultural activities. The question of when is Onam 2024 is crucial for those who want to participate in the festivities or simply wish to understand the cultural timing of this grand event.
When is Onam Festival?
The question of when is Onam festival generally depends on the Malayalam calendar. Onam is celebrated during the month of Chingam, which corresponds to August-September in the Gregorian calendar. The exact dates vary each year, but the festival usually falls between early Septermber and mid September.
Also Check: Heartfelt Happy Onam Wishes 2024
How to Draw Onam Pookalam Designs
One of the most beautiful traditions associated with Onam is the creation of Pookalam, a floral arrangement made in intricate patterns on the ground. But how to draw Onam Pookalam designs? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning Pookalam:
- Choose a Design: Start by selecting a Pookalam design that suits your skill level. You can find inspiration online or draw from traditional patterns.
- Prepare the Space: Clean the area where you plan to create the Pookalam. It’s typically done on the floor, either indoors or outdoors.
- Outline the Design: Use chalk or a light-colored marker to outline the design on the floor.
- Select the Flowers: Choose fresh flowers in vibrant colors like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and jasmine. You can also use flower petals for more detailed designs.
- Arrange the Flowers: Start filling in the design with the selected flowers, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Make sure to follow the outline carefully.
- Add Final Touches: Once the design is complete, you can add small lamps or candles around the Pookalam to enhance its beauty.
Understanding how to draw Onam Pookalam designs can add a personal touch to your Onam celebrations, making the festival even more special.
When is Onam Festival 2024?
So, when is Onam festival 2024 specifically? The festival in 2024 is expected to start on September 6th and end on September 17th, with the most significant day, Thiruvonam, being on September 15th. These dates are based on the traditional Malayalam calendar, and they highlight the period when the festival’s rituals and celebrations reach their peak.
Knowing when Onam festival 2024 will be celebrated helps in planning the various activities and rituals that are part of this vibrant festival.
When is Onam Celebrated?
When is Onam celebrated? Onam is celebrated over ten days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam. Each day of the festival has a unique significance and is associated with different customs and traditions. The final day, Thiruvonam, is the most important and is considered the day when King Mahabali visits his people.
When is Onam this year (2024)? As mentioned earlier, Onam 2024 will be celebrated from Septermber 6th to September 17th, with Thiruvonam on September 15th.
Do Check: How to Draw Onam Pookalam Designs: Step by Step Guide
The Significance of Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the most important day of the Onam festival. It is believed to be the day when King Mahabali returns to visit his kingdom. The entire state of Kerala bursts into celebration with grand feasts, traditional dances, boat races, and various cultural events. The significance of Thiruvonam cannot be overstated, as it embodies the spirit of unity, prosperity, and joy that Onam represents.
Traditional Onam Sadhya: The Grand Feast
No article about what is Onam would be complete without mentioning the traditional Onam Sadhya. This grand feast is an integral part of the celebrations, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya typically includes rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam, among other delicacies. It is a culinary delight that brings families together and celebrates the rich food heritage of Kerala.
Cultural Events and Traditions During Onam
Onam is not just about feasting and floral designs; it is also a time for various cultural events that showcase the rich traditions of Kerala. These include:
- Vallam Kali: The famous snake boat race, which is a thrilling spectacle.
- Pulikali: The tiger dance, where performers paint their bodies to resemble tigers and dance to the beat of traditional drums.
- Kathakali: A classical dance-drama that tells stories from Hindu mythology.
- Kummattikali: A mask dance performed in various parts of Kerala.
These cultural events add to the vibrancy of the festival, making it a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.
Also Check: Onam Program Names
When is Onam 2024 Celebrated?
To summarize, when is Onam 2024 celebrated? The festival will begin on September 6th, 2024, and conclude on September 17th, 2024, with Thiruvonam being the most significant day on September 15th.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key dates for when Onam 2024 is celebrated:
| Day | Date (2024) | Significance |
| Atham | September 6th | Marks the beginning of Onam celebrations. |
| Chithira | September 7th | Second day, more Pookalam designs are added. |
| Chodhi | September 8th | Shopping for the festival begins. |
| Vishakam | September 9th | Preparation for Onam Sadhya starts. |
| Anizham | September 10th | Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) takes place. |
| Thriketa | September 11th | Public holiday in Kerala, cultural events peak. |
| Moolam | September 12th | Traditional dances and rituals are performed. |
| Pooradam | September 13th | Installation of Mahabali idols at homes. |
| Uthradam | September 14th | Preparation for Thiruvonam; early Sadhya feasts. |
| Thiruvonam | September 15th | Main day of Onam, grand celebrations statewide. |
Conclusion
Onam is a festival that embodies the rich cultural heritage and unity of Kerala. Knowing when is Onam 2024 celebrated is crucial for planning and participating in this joyous event. From understanding what Onam is to exploring how to draw Onam Pookalam designs, this article has covered the essential aspects of this grand festival. Whether you are celebrating Onam in Kerala or elsewhere, the spirit of the festival remains the same—one of joy, unity, and prosperity.
So, mark your calendars, prepare your Pookalam designs, and get ready to welcome King Mahabali with open arms on when is Onam this year—Septemeber 6th to September 17th, 2024.
FAQs on When is Onam 2024
What is the significance of Onam 2024?
Onam 2024 is significant as it marks the annual return of King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler, to his kingdom. The festival is celebrated over ten days in Kerala, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and joy. It is a time for people to come together, participate in various cultural events, and enjoy the traditional Onam Sadhya feast.
When does Onam 2024 start and end?
Onam 2024 will start on Friday, September 6th, and end on Tuesday, September 17th. The most important day, known as Thiruvonam, will be celebrated on Monday, September 15th.
Why is Thiruvonam the most important day of Onam?
Thiruvonam is considered the most important day of Onam because it is believed to be the day when King Mahabali visits his kingdom. The entire state of Kerala celebrates with grand feasts, traditional dances, boat races, and various cultural events, making it the highlight of the festival.
What are the key events during the Onam festival?
The Onam festival includes various cultural events such as Vallam Kali (snake boat race), Pulikali (tiger dance), Kathakali (classical dance-drama), and Kummattikali (mask dance). These events showcase Kerala's rich cultural heritage and add vibrancy to the festival.
How is Onam Sadhya related to Onam celebrations?
Onam Sadhya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf and is an integral part of the Onam celebrations. It includes a variety of dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam, symbolizing abundance and bringing families together to celebrate the harvest and prosperity.
What is the traditional significance of creating Pookalam during Onam?
Pookalam is a floral arrangement made on the ground as part of the Onam celebrations. It is a traditional practice that symbolizes welcoming King Mahabali and adding beauty to the festival. Pookalams are created with fresh flowers in intricate patterns and are often enhanced with lamps or candles.
