Onam 2022 Date, Significance, Rituals

Onam, the most popular festival of Kerala, celebrates King Mahabali’s annual homecoming and Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The ten days of the festival are sequentially known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam.

Onam 2022 Date: September 8, Thursday.

First Onam: September 7, Wednesday.

Third Onam: September 9, Friday.

Fourth Onam: September 10, Saturday.

Rituals: Women make different types of patterns on the floor with flowers and lamps on this occasion. People gift and wear new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’.

Grand feasts are organised on this occasion and it is known as ‘Onam Sadya’. The food is served on banana leaves.

A sweet dish known as ‘payasam’ is prepared. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.

Vallamkali or boat race is associated with Onam. Elephants decorated with ornaments are a part of Onam processions.

Pulikali dance is performed by dancers during the festival.