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Onam 2024: Celebrating Thiruvonam and Kerala’s Grand Festival
Introduction
Onam, the vibrant festival of Kerala, celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. This grand 10-day festival marks the harvest season and is deeply rooted in Kerala's cultural and religious traditions. The most significant day of Onam is Thiruvonam, the final day when the festivities reach their peak. In 2024, Thiruvonam will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15, making it a day of joy, family reunions, and the iconic Onasadya feast. Let's dive into the dates, significance, and highlights of Onam 2024.
Onam 2024 Key Dates
Day | Date (2024) | Significance |
Atham | September 6, 2024 | Marks the start of Onam; Pookalam decorations begin. |
Chithira | September 7, 2024 | The second day of festivities with more flower layers added to Pookalam. |
Vishakam | September 9, 2024 | A special day for shopping and cooking preparations for Onasadya. |
Anizham | September 10, 2024 | Famous snake boat races (Vallamkali) are held on this day. |
Uthradam | September 14, 2024 | Known as the first Onam, where people clean and decorate their homes. |
Thiruvonam | September 15, 2024 | The main day of celebration, family feasts, and blessings from King Mahabali. |
The Significance of Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is considered the most auspicious day of Onam, where families in Kerala celebrate the return of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit every household to bless the people. Homes are decorated with Pookalam (intricate flower arrangements), and families come together to enjoy the grand Onasadya, a traditional multi-course vegetarian meal served on banana leaves(
MyPandit
)(
Holidify
).
Thiruvonam also marks a day of charity, where people give alms and donations to the needy, keeping the spirit of Onam alive by sharing happiness and prosperity with everyone.
Key Traditions of Onam 2024
Pookalam Competitions: Throughout the 10 days, families create beautiful floral designs called Pookalam. Competitions for the best Pookalam are common, with designs growing more elaborate each day.
Onasadya: The Onasadya feast is a highlight of Thiruvonam, consisting of dishes like rice, sambar, avial, and payasam. This meal is a tribute to King Mahabali’s prosperous reign(
).
Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race): One of the most famous events of Onam is the Vallamkali, or snake boat race, which draws large crowds along Kerala’s backwaters.
Pulikali: On Moolam day (September 12, 2024), the Pulikali, or tiger dance, adds color and excitement to the festival as performers paint themselves as tigers and parade the streets(
).
Conclusion
Onam 2024 promises to be a grand celebration of Kerala’s rich heritage and traditions. With the festival spanning ten days of cultural events, Pookalam designs, and the grand feast of Thiruvonam, it's a time of joy and family bonding. Mark your calendars for September 15, 2024, and be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty of Kerala’s greatest festival.
FAQs
1. What is the date of Thiruvonam in 2024?Thiruvonam will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15, 2024(
MyPandit
).
2. What is Onasadya?Onasadya is a traditional multi-course meal served during Onam, typically consisting of over 25 vegetarian dishes(
Holidify
).
3. How is Pookalam created during Onam?Pookalam is a floral design created using colorful flowers, starting from Atham and expanding until Thiruvonam(
Keralam, Kerala Tourism, Kerala
).
4. What is the significance of Vallamkali?Vallamkali, or the snake boat race, is a traditional boat race held on Kerala’s backwaters during Onam(
Holidify
).
5. What is the story behind Onam?Onam celebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler who is believed to visit Kerala every year to bless its people(
MyPandit
)(
Keralam, Kerala Tourism, Kerala
).
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