Onam 2022 is the festival of rain flowers and the biggest auspicious event celebrated in Kerala. Celebrated once a year, this festival symbolises the return of the mythical demon king, Mahabali. This harvesting festival of Kerala this year commenced on August 30 and will take a rest with Thiruvonam on September 8. On a resting day, the people will prepare Onasadya and will have a big feast with their family.
Significance of Onam 2022
Indian Mythology says, on this day, Gods were conquered and all three worlds were won and ruled by King Mahabali. Despite the fact of him being the Demon King, people loved him because of his generosity. “This made all the other gods feel threatened and sought help from Lord Vishnu, who then appeared as Vamana and tricked the king into giving back all the land he owned on Earth.”
However, after the event, Lord Vishnu granted him a favour and allowed the King to return to the Kingdom to visit his people once a year. “Since then, as per the Malayalam Calendar, Onam is celebrated at the beginning of Chingam, the first month of Kollavarsham. It is also the time of the year when the good harvest is gathered by the people of Kerala.”
Puja Rituals
This day starts with the family members waking up early, wearing new traditional clothes and praying to the Thrikkakara appam or Vaman Vishnu Idols. After that women as usual draw the Pookkalam or floral rangoli in the east direction inside the house. Lighting lamps and singing Onam songs to welcome King Mahabali is how the rest of the day is spent.
Also, “A swinging ceremony is performed on Thiru Onam, in which a swing is slung on the high branch of a tree. On the third day, people invite their friends and family and celebrate Onam Sadya. They cook 13 dishes including rice, avial, curd and payasam and serve it on a fresh banana leaf.”
The famous Vallamkali or the snake boat race is organised in Alappuzha. Boats are always decorated while at least the ninth day of Onam, and the families give vegetables and coconut oil as gifts to the eldest members of the family which is called Karanavar. “On the last day of Onam, various cultural activities are held in temples and religious places
Seven of the drums take part in the race.”
Also read:
‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’ Of Salman Khan Is Now ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’
As per Murta Panchang, “Thiruvonam Nakshatra begins at 4:00 pm on September 7 and will end at 01:46 pm on September 8. Based on the Hindu calendar, this day will be Trayodashi Tithi of Shulka Paksha of Bhadrapada”.
