Onam & Thiruvonam 2020: Onam is a harvest festival that falls in the month of August/ September annually. It is celebrated across the country and is famous among Keralites. It is the biggest festival of the state of Kerala and is celebrated in the month of Chingam Thiruvonam Nakshatram prevails. Festivities begin on the first day Atham and continues for ten days till Thiru Onam. Know Onam 2020 Date, Thiru Onam Timings, History, Significance of the festival by going through the further sections.
History & Significance of Onam Celebrations
It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana or Dwarf during the reign of King Mahabali grandson of Bhakta Prahlad to test his generosity, devotion. In spite of being born in the family of Asuras, King Mahabali was liked for his philanthropic deeds and loved by his subjects.
In the war against Devas, Mahabali emerged Victoriously and soon became the King of three worlds Deva Loka, Prithvi Loka, and Patala Loka. Thus, Devas sought help from Maha Vishnu to intervene and defeat Mahabali. Lord Vishnu knew that the king was a nobleman and decided to trick him and sent him to Patala Loka. After appearing as Vamana Lord Vishnu revealed himself and sent him to Nether World. There is a belief that King Mahabali visits every year to see his subjects on Onam.
People welcome their king by arranging group activities like Pookolam (rangoli made with fresh flowers), Pulikali (tiger dance), Vallam Kali (boat race), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onam Kali, and other rituals. They create a lively atmosphere to tell their king that they are indeed happy and excited.
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Onam 2020 Date
Onam Festival 2020 falls in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam Calendar and Overlaps with the months August-September on Gregorian Calendar. This year, Onam will begin from 22nd August and ends on September 2nd. The most important day of Onam i.e. Thiru Onam will be celebrated on August 31st.
Thirovanam Nakshatram Timings
As per the drikpanchang, the Thiruvonam Nakshathram begins at 1:52 PM on August 30 and ends at 3:04 PM on August 31st.
10 Days of Onam along with Dates
- Atham – 22nd August 2020
- Chithira – 23rd August 2020
- Chodhi – 24th August 2020
- Vishakam – 25th August 2020
- Anizham – 26th August 2020)
- Thriketa – 27th August 2020
- Moolam – 28th August 2020
- Pooradam – 29th August 2020
- Uthradam/First Onam – 30th August 2020
- Thiruvonam Onam – 31st August 2020
Post-Onam Celebrations
Although Thiruvonam is the main occasion, the following days – Avittom (third Onam) and Chatayam (fourth Onam) are also treated as days of Onam.
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Onam Festival Rituals, Cultural Celebrations
Kerala Onam is welcomed with a variety of activities and is celebrated with great pomp and joy. Life of the Mahabali Onam Festival lies in its cultural practices and has a range of events. People participate in Boat races called Vallam Kali, dance forms like Pulikali, Kummattikali, colorful art with florals called pookkalam, food called Onasadya, and wear traditional clothing.
Traditional Feast – Onam Sadya
Sadya means banquet in Malayalam a vegetarian Meal served on Banana Leaf. Onam Sadya Items include a total of 29 items served on the leaf with less or more number. In general, the feast reflects the spirit of Onam and has items such as Rice, Chips, Sambar, Injipuli, Pappadam, Sharkaravaratti, Avial, Pickle, Dal, Olan, Thoran, Rasam, Ghee, Puliseri, Erisheri, Coconut Chutney, Pachadi, Moru and which ends with a sweet, savory Payasam.
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FAQs on Onam 2020
1. What is the traditional meal served on a banana leaf during Onam?
Onam Sadya or Onasadya is an indulgent meal served on a banana leaf with 27 varieties.
2. What are the 10 days of Onam?
10 Days of Onam are Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam.
3. Why Onam is Celebrated?
According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala during the time of Onam.
4. Which is the main day in Onam?
The most important day of Onam is known as Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam.
Wrapping Up
We wish the information shed above has helped you get knowledge on Onam 2020, History & Significance, Date, Thiruvonam Timings. If you wish to look out for more articles on Onam like Wishes, Quotes, Songs, Pookalam Latest Designs for Thiruvonam 2020 you can refer our site.
Happy Onam 2020! to you and your family from the team of Versionweekly.