ONAM IS HERE ! : സന്തോഷകരമായ തിരുവോണം santēāṣakaramāya tiruvoṇaṁ ~ HAPPY ONAM !
Just as the monsoon bids adieu to the land of South India, the air is filled with vigour, joy, and happiness with the arrival of Onam, a significant festival celebrated majorly in Kerala state of southern India.From the intricately decorated elephants to the wild ‘Pulikali’ dancers, and from the gigantic snake boats lined up at the shore to the gorgeous floral decorations, this festival paints the state in more colors than you can imagine.
Onam, is celebrated in order to honor King Mahabali, one of the most respected kings of the state. The entire festival is celebrated in order to welcome his spirit to the place as he is supposed to visit the state during this period. It is believed that that it was on the this day in the month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu took in avatar of ‘Vaamana’, came to the state of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world. It is said that since that day the festival of Onam is celebrated in order to memorize his wonderful reign of peace and prosperity in the kingdom.
In order to welcome their respected ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the front courtyard, arrange grand feast (Onasadya), dance, play, and celebrate. All this is done to make the King feel that his people are still happy and prosperous. It is believed that Onam celebrations started during the Sangam period as some evidences of the celebrations related to the Kulasekhara Perumals (800 AD) have been found. It is said that during that time Onam was celebrated for a month.
The harvest festival of Onam is celebrated across India and the world by Keralites. The festival falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam, in the Malayali calendar month of Chingam, and marks the beginning of the Malayalam (official language of the state of kerala ) calendar which is called Kolla Varsham. The festival usually falls in the months of August and September, and is spread over ten days. The festival kicks off on the day known as Atham, and culminates on the tenth day, known as Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam, which is the most auspicious day during Onam.
Onam festival date 2019 has been released by the ministry according to which the festival will be conducted from September 1 2019, to September 13, 2019. ‘THIRUVONAM’ - the main festival is celebrated tommorow - 11th sept,2019 . For accurate timitings of ‘Thiruvonam’ click here - https://www.facebook.com/ancienthinduismreligion/photos/pcb.903656313346592/903649373347286/?type=3&av=280027039042859&eav=AfbWqU5Ii_qnNGaWXuNq_2yv_mkj0NSaqH4tQjrbUQCmoM33hlkqCOYSa_eoVFAOXYU&theater
