Onam: The Ten Days Celebration
Celebrating Atham: Day One The first day of Onam starts with the celebration of Atham. Grand Poo Kolam (flower Rangoli) designs are made as a sign of welcoming king Mahabali. It is believed that King Mahabali pays a visit to Earth from netherworld (Patala Lok) during the Onam festival. The Poo Kolam, which is made on the first day, gradually increases by size by the end of the tenth day, which is the Thiruvonam. On this day Atham or Hasta Nakshatra (constellation) prevails. Celebrating Chitthira: Day Two The people of Kerala get busy with decorating their homes for the Thiruvonam celebration. Old and unwanted things are discarded; some paint their houses new and put all their efforts in making things look new and beautiful. On this day, Chitthira Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Chodi: Day Three This day probably gets the highest vote from women. Oh yes! It's time for shopping. People make sure that they are in their best looks during the Onam season. Shopping for gifts and clothes begin on this day. The Nakshatra (constellation) which prevails on this day is Swati (Chodi). Celebrating Visakam: Day Four The competitions and festivities related to Onam make a kick start on this day. Poo Kolam competitions are very popular and are the main highlight of this day. The Nakshatra that prevails on this day is Visakam. Celebrating Anizham: Day Five The day of Anizham just takes the excitement of Onam one notch higher, as the rehearsals for the famous boat race starts today. The Onam boat races called Vallamkali, which happens annually, is a very popular event. It is a major tourist attraction. People from all over India and abroad come to witness this spectacular event. On this day, Anizham (Anuradha) Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Thriketta: Day Six The day of Thriketta is the day when all the family members gather for Onam celebrations. People working far away from home take a 5 days holiday and head toward home. Family gatherings and social events get grander from this day. On this day, Thriketta (Jyeshta) Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Moolam: Day Seven The excitement gears up with just two days left for the final day, Thiruvonam. It is from this day many temples arrange the grand Onam feast called Onasadhya. Cultural events like Puli Kali, which is a masked leopard dance and Kaikotti Kali, which is a traditional dance performed by women, takes place. On this day Moolam (Moola) Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Pooradam: Day Eight With the final day (Thiruvonam) just around the corner, the excitement reaches sky high. The main events of this day are the Poorada Uttigal and Poorada Unnigal. On this day, people make mud idols of God Vaman and king Mahabali called Onathappan. The design of Poo Kolam gets to a whole new level of complexity. On this day, Pooradam Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Uthradam: Day Nine Uthradam, the day before Thiruvonam is celebrated as the first day of Onam. Every house lays out an elaborate carpet of flowers called Poo Kolam to welcome their King. Fairs and events reach its peak on the eve of Onam. On this day, Uthradam (Uttara Ashada) Nakshatra prevails. Celebrating Thiruvonam: Day Ten The final day of Onam, Thiruvonam can only be described as the ultimate celebration. All the events are showcased on this day. People turn out from all over the country to witness this celebrations. Onasadhya will be arranged by every home. Cultural events like folk dance, Kathakali performances, boast races, Poo Kolam competitions, all reach the grand end. With the end of this day, the people of Kerala bid goodbye to the beloved King Mahabali, who then returns to his netherworld. |
Vivek Panicker
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