Onam is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus. Malayalis and Keralites celebrate Onam, a harvesting festival, with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is celebrated on Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and under Shravana Nakshatra.
Onam 2024: Date and Time (Muhurat)
- Thiruvonam Nakshatram Begins -September 14, 2024, at 08:32 PM
- Thiruvonam Nakshatram Ends -September 15, 2024, at 06:49 PM
History
As per Hindu Mythology, King Mahabali so generous and considered a great ruler of Kerala. The kingdom was so prosperous and peaceful in his power. People of the kingdom were happy and they loved their king. The enemy of demons, the Deities wanted to end the rule of Mahabali from Earth. They were jealous of him as King Mahabali defeated them to become the king. They sent Lord Vishnu to King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana Avatar (Brahmin) and went to King Mahabali to test him and asked for three feet of land from Mahabali. He agreed on that so Lord Vishnu covered all the worlds in two steps and then asked him for a place to put his third step. King Mahabali requested Vamana to put his third step on his head which took him to the netherworld. But this made Lord Vishnu happy and he was pleased by his devotion and generosity. Lord Vishnu blessed King Mahabali that he would be able to visit his kingdom (Kerala) once a year. That’s why the people of Kerala celebrate this Onam festival as the homecoming day of their beloved king Mahabali.
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Onam Traditions:
- Prayers to Lord Vamana and King Mahabali
- Home decoration with flowers (Pookalam)
- Preparation of traditional dishes and sweets
- Cultural activities (dance, music, boat races)
- Charity and donations to bring prosperity
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