Onam explained: Origins, significance, and how to celebrate

Every great harvest calls for a big bash, right? It’s a global tradition! But why all the excitement? Well, first off, no one goes hungry when the harvest is plentiful—definitely a reason to celebrate! And if you’ve got more food than you can handle, why not throw a feast instead of letting it spoil?

These celebrations also often stem from ancient stories and cultural practices of gratitude for a fruitful harvest. Back then, science wasn’t as advanced, so farmers relied on luck and various factors to bring in a good crop.

And speaking of celebrations, India’s Onam festival is a gem in this regard. It’s not just about the food; it’s packed with stories and cultural richness.

In this blog, we’re digging deep into what Onam signifies, why it’s a big deal, where it’s happening, why it spans 10 days when it kicks off, and how people get down with the festivities. Let’s kick-start this festive journey with a bang!

What is the meaning of Onam?

Onam, in a nutshell, is all about celebrating the joyous harvest season!

Why Onam festival is celebrated?

Like every Indian festival, Onam has an intriguing backstory, and like many, it’s fascinatingly tied to the harvest season.

Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali from the Patal Lok. Despite being a demon king, Mahabali was generous, and his reign was considered a golden era for Kerala. Legend has it that Mahabali defeated the Gods and took over the three worlds, prompting them to seek help from Lord Vishnu. To avoid direct conflict, Vishnu visited Mahabali as Vamana, a poor Brahmin, and requested land measuring “three paces”. Vamana then grew in size, covering everything Mahabali ruled, in just two steps.

In a selfless act, King Mahabali offered Vishnu his own head instead of taking any more land from his people. Impressed by Mahabali’s humility, Vishnu allowed the King to visit Kerala annually — this yearly return has turned into the celebration of Onam.

Now, you might be wondering how all this ties back to celebrating the harvest.

King Mahabali’s reign is remembered as a time of great prosperity and happiness. Celebrating his return during the harvest season highlights the connection between his legendary golden era and the current period of agricultural abundance.

Where Onam is celebrated?

It’s a special celebration exclusive to the folks of Kerala in Southern India, who lovingly refer to themselves as Malayalis or Keralites.

In Kerala, the language spoken is called Malayalam. If you hear someone say Malayali or Malayalee, they’re referring to someone who speaks this language. And if they call themselves a Keralite, that means they hail from the state known as Kerala—or Keralam in the local Malayalam tongue.

When is Onam?

In Kerala, festival dates are guided by the Malayalam calendar and local traditions, starting with the Atham asterism in the month of Chingam.

Wondering when Chingam is in the modern calendar? It typically falls around August or September.

Just hop online to find the exact date each year—it changes annually!

When is Onam this year?

Onam 2024 begins on Friday, September 6th, 2024, and the main festivities will take place on Sunday, September 15th, 2024—mark your calendars!

How many days Onam is celebrated?

Onam celebrations span a delightful ten days. Starting on Friday, September 6th, 2024, they wrap up on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.

Why Onam is celebrated for 10 days?

Well, it’s not just about celebrating the harvest season. Each day of Onam is packed with meaning, from special rituals and cultural performances to lavish feasts.

Let’s delve into what each day represents and how you can join in the festive spirit of Onam!

How is Onam celebrated?

Since Onam is a 10-day extravaganza, there’s always something exciting to check off your list each day. Celebrations might look different whether you’re back home or living abroad.

If you’re living abroad, you might not be able to do everything for all 10 days, but there are still plenty of ways to replicate the festive vibe.

Here’s the breakdown!

How to celebrate Onam at home?

Celebrating Onam abroad might make the festive vibe feel different, especially if you’re busy with work or studies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special in your own way. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

• Accept invitations:
  
  
  • Join others celebrating Onam by checking with nearby communities or temples.
    
    
  • Use these opportunities to meet new and amazing people.
    
    
• Plan with friends:
  
  
  • Organise an Onasadya meal with close friends.
    
    
  • If cooking isn’t an option, consider ordering sadhya from a local restaurant.
    
    
  • Enjoy the meal together, even if it’s delivered.
    
    
  • Go on a short tour or outing after the meal.
    
    
• Connect virtually:
  
  
  • Call your family and friends while enjoying your payasam or any part of the sadhya.
    
    
  • Share the experience despite being miles apart.

How to create Onam pookalam designs?

1. Choose your design:
   1. Start with a simple circular design if you’re a beginner.
      
      
2. Outline the design:
   1. Use chalk or white powder to draw the outline of your design on the floor. You can use a plate, or a string tied to a pencil to make perfect circles.
      
      
   2. Before you get too excited about drawing a Pookalam, make sure to check with your landlord or local regulations. You don’t want to end up in trouble for beautifying your space!
      
      
3. Select flower colours:
   1. Choose a colour palette that complements each other. Traditional Pookalams often use bright colours like yellow, orange, red, and white.
      
      
4. Layer by layer:
   1. Start filling the design from the centre and work your way outwards.
      
      
   2. Place flower petals close together to avoid gaps. You can use whole flowers for larger sections and petals for finer details.
      
      
5. Symmetry and patterns:
   1. Make sure your design is symmetrical. This adds to the beauty and uniformity of the Pookalam.
      
      
   2. Alternate colours to create patterns. For example, if you use yellow petals for the centre, you can use red for the next layer, then white, and so on.
      
      
6. Use leaves and small flowers:
   1. Incorporate leaves and small flowers to add details and contrast to your design.
      
      
7. Final touches:
   1. Once you’ve filled in all sections, step back and check for any gaps or uneven areas.
      
      
   2. Make adjustments as needed to ensure your Pookalam looks neat and vibrant.
      
      
8. Lighting:
   1. Place small lamps or candles around your Pookalam for an added festive touch.

Tips for a beautiful Pookalam:

• Plan ahead: Sketch your design on paper before you start to have a clear idea of what you want.
  
  
• Fresh flowers: Use fresh flowers for vibrant colours and a lasting Pookalam.
  
  
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new patterns and colour combinations.

You can grab your materials from an Indian supermarket or shop online. So, go all out and create your Onam Pookalam to express your creativity and celebrate the festival with joy. Enjoy the process and have fun with your designs!

Before you go…

As Onam draws near, you’re likely thinking about the harvest season and eager to share your abundance with family while abroad as an expat.

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Just remember to send money a few days before Onam starts, especially if your family is in Kerala. Onam is a bank holiday there, so mark your calendar!

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Frequently asked questions

Is Onam a harvest festival?

Absolutely! It’s a joyful celebration of the harvest season.

Is Onam a religious festival?

While it’s said to have originated from Hinduism, it has evolved into a unique Kerala festival.

Do Christians celebrate Onam?

Onam, while rooted in Hindu traditions, has blossomed into a festival embraced by all Malayalees. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians join in the celebrations, united as Malayalees. It’s a joyful reminder of unity and cultural pride for everyone involved.

Is Onam a national holiday?

Nope, Onam isn’t officially recognised as a national holiday; it’s more of a discretionary holiday.

Is Onam a government holiday?

Yes, but it’s only recognised as a government holiday in Kerala.


Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.