When is Onam 2024? Know Thiruvonam date, rituals, celebration, wishes and more about Kerala's harvesting festival

Onam, also called Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindu community in Kerala. This grand festival is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, marking the harvest season in Kerala. In 2024, the Onam festival will begin on September 5 and end on September 15. The festival's highlight, Thiruvonam, will be celebrated on September 15, 2024. Let¡¯s take a closer look at the traditions, history, and importance of Onam 2024.

Onam 2024 Date and Timings

Onam is marked by the Thiruvonam Nakshatram (star), which holds special significance. Here are the key timings for Onam 2024:

• Thiruvonam Nakshatram Begins: September 14, 2024 - 08:32 PM
• Thiruvonam Nakshatram Ends: September 15, 2024 - 06:49 PM

What is the history of the Onam Festival?

Credit: Freepik

The story behind Onam is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, King Mahabali, a generous and wise ruler of Kerala, is the central figure in the Onam celebration. His reign brought peace and prosperity, and the people loved him dearly. However, the gods became jealous of his power and influence. They sought help from Lord Vishnu, who descended to earth in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to test the king's generosity.

Vamana asked King Mahabali for three feet of land. The king, known for his generosity, agreed. Vamana then expanded his form and covered the entire earth and heavens in two steps. When asked where he could place the third step, King Mahabali offered his head, which sent him to the netherworld. Pleased with his humility, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali the boon of visiting his beloved kingdom once every year, which is celebrated as Onam. This is why Onam 2024 is so special for the people of Kerala, as it symbolises the homecoming of their beloved king.

The 10 Days of Onam 2024: What Each Day Represents

Onam 2024 is a 10-day festival filled with unique traditions and rituals. Here¡¯s a brief look at what each day signifies:

1. Atham: The festival begins with creating Pookalam, a beautiful flower carpet, to welcome King Mahabali.
2. Chithira: Houses are cleaned, and the Pookalam is made larger.
3. Chodhi: Families buy new clothes, known as Onakkodi, for the celebrations.
4. Vishakam: Preparations for the grand Onam feast, or Onasadya, begin.
5. Anizham: The famous Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races) take place.
6. Thriketa: Families gather to intensify the celebrations.
7. Moolam: Traditional dances like Kaikottikali and Pulikali are performed.
8. Pooradam: The Pookalam is fully decorated, reaching its peak beauty.
9. Uthradam: Onam Eve, with last-minute preparations for the next day.
10. Thiruvonam: The grand feast day, when Onasadya is served, and communities celebrate together.

Significance of Onam 2024

Onam holds deep cultural and religious importance for the people of Kerala. It is not just a harvest festival but a time to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Onam 2024 will be no different, with homes beautifully decorated with rangoli and flowers. Families come together to prepare a grand feast, offering their prayers to Lord Vamana and King Mahabali for prosperity, happiness, and well-being.

The festival also highlights the importance of charity. People believe in donating food and clothing to the needy so that everyone can enjoy the celebrations with equal joy and fervour. It¡¯s a time for family reunions, cultural performances, and the exchange of Onam wishes for prosperity and good health.

How to Celebrate Onam 2024

The Onam 2024 celebrations will continue for 10 days, filled with exciting rituals and activities. Here¡¯s how people traditionally celebrate the festival:

• Morning Rituals: Each day begins with a morning bath and the deep cleaning of homes. Fresh flowers are used to create intricate Pookalam designs at the entrance of homes.
• Onam Sadhya: A grand feast, also called Onasadya, is prepared with over 26 traditional dishes. This meal is eaten with hands, served on banana leaves, and is a vital part of the Onam celebration.
• Cultural Events: During Onam 2024, people participate in various cultural activities such as Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (where people dress as tigers), Onakalikal (games), and traditional dances.
• New Clothes: People wear new clothes as part of the celebration. Men typically wear Mundu, and women don the traditional Kasavu saree.
• Onam Wishes: People exchange heartfelt Onam wishes and greetings, emphasizing happiness, togetherness, and prosperity for their loved ones.

Best Onam 2024 wishes, quotes and messages to share on WhatsApp

• Wishing you a bountiful Onam filled with the joy of family, friends, and festivities.
• On this festive occasion, may you be blessed with abundant joy and prosperity.
• I hope this Onam blesses you with good health, good fortune, and wisdom. Happy Onam!
• As we celebrate the vibrant festival of Onam, may your life be as colourful as the Pookkalam and as bountiful as the Onam Sadya. Have a joyous and blessed Onam!
• ¡°As you enjoy the grand Onam Sadhya, may your life be blessed with a grand feast of success and happiness.¡± ¡ª Hidden Mantra
• May the celebrations of Onam bring good luck and prosperity to your home. Happy Onam!
• May the King Mahabali bless you with good health, wealth, and prosperity. Happy Onam!
• "Onam is the celebration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, reminding us that good deeds are always remembered and cherished." ¡ª Unknown
• May the vibrant celebrations of Onam bring endless joy to your home. Have a prosperous Onam!
• "The spirit of Onam is the spirit of love, peace, and happiness. Let us celebrate Onam with the hope of a better tomorrow." ¡ª Unknown
• This Onam, may you be blessed with happiness and success. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Onam!

Onam 2024 is a festival that brings people together, uniting communities in celebration. The rich cultural heritage, vibrant rituals, and heartwarming traditions of Onam make it a special time for all Malayalis, no matter where they are in the world. As King Mahabali visits his land once again, the spirit of Onam lives on, reflecting the values of generosity, unity, and joy.

Celebrate Onam 2024 with your family and friends, exchange warm Onam wishes, and embrace the traditions that make this festival so meaningful.