Onam is a Hindu festival but onam is celebrated in Kerala . It is a Malayali festival and also Known thiruvonam which is observed by Malayalam native speakers. The Onam 2022 date is determined by the Solar Calendar.
On the Malayalam Solar Calendar, it falls in the month of Chingam. The month of Chingam is also known as Simha in other solar calendars and Avani in Tamil calendars.
Thiruvonam 2022 is celebrated on the day when the Nakshatra Thiruvonam prevails in the month of Chingam. In some Hindu calendars, Thiruvonam Nakshatra is known as Shravana.
The first Onam date will be held on September 7, 2022. On September 8, 2022, Thiruvonam will be celebrated. The third and fourth Onams will take place on September 9 and 10, 2022, respectively.
Onam 2022
Why this Festival Celebrated
The festival celebrates the appearance of Vishnu's avatar Vamana and the mythical Emperor Mahabali's subsequent return home. Onam commemorates the annual visit of Asura King Mahabali from Patala (the underworld).
Asura King Mahabali is said to visit every Malayali home on Thiruvonam day and meet his people. Onam celebrations begin on Atham day (the day when the Atham Nakshatra is in effect) and last for ten days until Thiruvonam day.
In some Hindu calendars, Atham Nakshatra is known as Hasta Nakshatra.
Spiritual Significance of Onam
In front of their houses, women make colourful flower carpets. Pookalam is the name for these patterns. Festival customs include decorating homes, preparing worship plates, and dressing up in unique attire for the occasion.
Onam's new clothing, known as 'onakkodi,' are a key part of the celebration. Many sub-events take place throughout the festival, such as Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, and so on.
At these gatherings, plays and dances are performed. The men dress up as tigers, and many of these one-of-a-kind performances can be seen at public events or on the streets.
On this day, the Onasadya dinner is cooked. Cooked delicacies are served on huge banana leaves. Rasam, sambar, rice, and other foods are included in the nine-course dinner. Some restaurants have as many as 30 Osandya dishes on their menus.
Rituals and Traditions of Onam
Kerala's rice harvest festival is known as Onam. Each of the ten days of Onam celebration has its own importance. This celebration is symbolised by the traditional floral arrangements known as 'pookkalam.'
To invite King Mahabali to their house, women members of the family usually make various patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps. People give and wear 'Onakkodi,' or new clothes.
On this occasion, lavish feasts are prepared. Onam sadya is the term for this. Typically, roughly 13 dishes are cooked. The food is usually served on banana leaves and consists of rice, various dishes, pickles, and papads.
During Onam, a traditional sweet dish known as 'payasam' is a requirement. Rice, milk, sugar, and coconut are used to make it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the main day for Onam 2022?
The main day will be September 7, 2022, as it will be the first day of Onam 2022.
Q2. Which day is known as thiruvonam?
Every year on the second day of Onam, thiruvonam is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali's annual return and to honour Lord Vishnu's Vaman avatar.
Q3. Which is Kerala New Year?
Vishu, which was once the Kerala New Year’s Day, is now celebrated over the world under many names. Hindus and Sikhs in north and central India celebrate Vaisakhi, the solar new year, and Tamils celebrate Puthandu, the Tamil New Year Day.
Q4. Does Onam change date?
Yes, as the Panchangam falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month Chingam of the Malayalam calendar, which falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.