Onam 2023: Date, Rituals and Celebration

Onam 2023: Onam is considered an auspicious festival celebrated by all Malayalees. This is a traditional festival originated from the state of Kerala. Onam is one of the most religious festival that is celebrated by the Malayali community people around the world. Various cultural events from boat races, dance forms, Rangoli, colourful art, food and traditional clothing take place during this festival. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. This year, Onam festival is going to be celebrated on August 29, 2023. Onam 2023: Celebration and Rituals1. Malayali women draw different “Pookkalam”, floral designs on the east side ground of their homes. Pookalam is a flower rangoli made with fresh yellow flowers. It is considered as a symbol of good luck. ?2. Vallamkali is known as the Snake Boat Race. It is one of the most popular tradition of Kerala. This is a major attraction for tourists. 3. Pulikali is an art performed by all the men. During this tradition, performers paint their bodies like tigers and dance to the beat of drums. It is performed on the fourth day of Onam.4. People invite their relatives and friends for grand celebration called “Onam Sadya”. They cook 13 dishes including Rice, vegetable curry, curd and Payasam (sweet stew) and serve it on banana leaves. It is done on the third day of Onam. Payasam is considered as the must having dish on Onam. It is prepared by milk, rice, sugar and coconut.5. People perform the dance form which is known as Kathakali and that tells the story about Hindu mythology. This is mainly done by all the men and they wear a special costume to perform this art form. Apart from Kathakali, there are other dances such as Thiruvathira, Pulikali, Kummattikali, Thumbi Thullal, Onam Kali performed during Onam.6. On the tenth day of the festival, various cultural activities and festivities are held in the temples and other religious places. Elephants are decorated with ornaments and grand procession are being carried out. 7. The main occasion is the Thiruvonam. Avittom (third onam) and Chatayam (fourth onam) are also considered as days of Onam. People prepare for the departure of King Mahabali so they clear the Pookalam. The clay statues of Onathappan is immersed in the river or the sea.