Onam — महत्त्वम्
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrating the annual visit of King Mahabali (Maveli). It marks the homecoming of the beloved demon king and the bounty of the harvest season.
Onam — महत्त्वम्
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the asura king Mahabali (Bali) was pushed into the netherworld by Vamana (Vishnu's dwarf avatar). Pleased with Bali's devotion, Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his people once a year. Onam is that day when Kerala welcomes him with feasts and flowers.
Onam — पूजाविधिः
- At dawn, draw Pookalam (flower rangoli) at the entrance; add a new layer each day during the ten-day celebration.
- Prepare the Onam sadya (feast) with traditional dishes on banana leaves.
- Wear new clothes (Kasavu saree or mundu); participate in Vallam Kali (boat race) if available.
- Perform Thrikkakarayappan (Vamana) puja; swing and sing Onam songs (Onappattu).
- On Thiruvonam day, lay the full sadya and welcome King Mahabali.
Onam — मन्त्राः
ॐ नमो भगवते वामनाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāmanāya
Salutations to Lord Vamana
Onam — पारम्परिकं भोजनम्
- ●Onam Sadya (multiple courses)
- ●Parippu curry
- ●Sambar
- ●Avial
- ●Payasam
- ●Banana
Onam — अन्यनामानि
Kerala(ഓണം)
Pookalam, Sadya, Vallam Kali, Pulikali
Tamil Nadu (Kerala diaspora)(ഓണം)
Similar observance
Onam — कर्तव्यम् / वर्जनीयम्
कर्तव्यम्
- ✓Draw Pookalam
- ✓Prepare or partake in Sadya
- ✓Wear traditional dress
- ✓Welcome the spirit of Mahabali
वर्जनीयम्
- ✗Do not skip the flower arrangement
- ✗Avoid disrespect to the tradition
- ✗Do not waste the feast
Onam — FAQ
- Onam किम् अस्ति?
- Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrating the annual visit of King Mahabali (Maveli).
- Onam पूजाविधिः का?
- At dawn, draw Pookalam (flower rangoli) at the entrance; add a new layer each day during the ten-day celebration.; Prepare the Onam sadya (feast) with traditional dishes on banana leaves.; Wear new clothes (Kasavu saree or mundu); participate in Vallam Kali (boat race) if available.; Perform Thrikkakarayappan (Vamana) puja; swing and sing Onam songs (Onappattu).
- Onam दिवसे किं भोज्यम्?
- Onam Sadya (multiple courses), Parippu curry, Sambar, Avial, Payasam
- Onam दिवसे किं कर्तव्यम्?
- Draw Pookalam; Prepare or partake in Sadya; Wear traditional dress
- Onam दिवसे किं वर्जनीयम्?
- Do not skip the flower arrangement; Avoid disrespect to the tradition; Do not waste the feast
- Onam दिवसे कस्य देवस्य पूजा?
- Onam Vishnu देवाय समर्पितम्।