Onam 2024: Steps and Rituals to Celebrate the Festival
Saturday, 14 September 2024, 15:00
Onam 2024: Celebration and Rituals
Onam is a highly significant festival celebrated with great devotion by Malayalees, primarily in Kerala but also among the global Malayali community. This auspicious event is marked by a rich array of cultural activities such as boat races, dance performances, Rangoli creations, vibrant artwork, delicious feasts, and traditional attire. The festival is renowned for its lively and festive atmosphere. This year, Onam is celebrated on September 15, 2024.
Key Rituals of Onam
- Women in Kerala adorn the east side of their homes with Pookkalam, a traditional floral design created using fresh yellow flowers. This flower rangoli, or pookalam, is considered a symbol of good fortune.
- Vallamkali, or the Snake Boat Race, is one of Kerala’s most renowned traditions and a major attraction for tourists, showcasing the region's vibrant cultural heritage.
- Pulikali is a unique tradition where men paint their bodies to resemble tigers and dance to the rhythm of drums, taking place on the fourth day.
- The Onam Sadya is a grand feast enjoyed with family and friends, featuring thirteen dishes served on banana leaves, with the essential sweet dish being payasam.
- Kathakali, a classical dance-drama form performed predominantly by men in elaborate costumes, reveals stories from Hindu mythology during Onam.
- Celebratory events at temples occur on the tenth day, with beautifully decorated elephants and a grand parade marking the occasion.
- The central event of Onam is Thiruvonam, where festivities also celebrate Avittom and Chatayam.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.