Onam 2024: Date, time, history and importance

Onam 2024: Onam, the most prominent and joyous festival of Kerala, marks the annual return of King Mahabali and honors the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Like the Ganesh Chaturthi, this ten-day festival fills the people of Kerala with a festive spirit and is celebrated with remarkable grandeur.

Moreover, this dynamic festival embedded in ancient tradition brings individuals from all communities together to celebrate bountiful harvests, rich cultural heritage, and the return of King Mahabali.

Onam 2024 Date and Time

Onam usually falls in August or September and is a time of grand celebrations, colorful decorations, and deep traditions. But when and what is Onam in 2024?

Onam is a ten-day festival that begins with Atham on Thursday, September 5, and continues through various rituals and celebrations until Thiruvonam. Thiruvonam, which marks the conclusion of the festival.  Thiruvonam Nakshatram’s timings will start on September 14, 2024, at 08:32 pm and end on September 15, 2024, (Sunday) at 06:49 pm. 

History of Onam

According to mythology, King Mahabali was the greatest king of Kerala. At that time, the locals witnessed the best of times during his reign; prosperity and splendor reigned everywhere. 

To end Mahabali’s rule on the world, Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana and forced King Mahabali to donate all his land. Thus, Mahabali was sent to the lower world; but Lord Vishnu also gave him a boon that he could visit his land once every year. Onam celebrates this homecoming of king Mahabali.

Significance of Onam

The Onam festival marks the return of the golden age of prosperity, peace, and happiness during the reign of Mahabali. Every year, the festival features elaborate rituals, cultural events, and grand feasts, collectively known as Onasadya.

Also, it holds great cultural and religious significance in Kerala. This festival is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar year, known as Kolavarsham.