The significance of all the 10 Days of Onam
What's the story
Onam, a lively 10-day festival celebrated in Kerala, is renowned for its colorful festivities and delicious traditional cuisine.
It commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.
This grand event combines tradition, culture, and mythology, providing a rich glimpse into Kerala's heritage.
Here's a look at the significance of each of the 10 days of Onam.
Day 1
Atham
The first day of Onam, Atham, sets the stage for the festival.
Traditionally, this day is marked by the creation of a small pookalam (flower decoration) in front of homes and temples.
Atham is also the day when the preparation for King Mahabali's arrival begins.
The day symbolizes the beginning of the celebrations and is a time for cleaning and decorating homes.
Day 2
Chithira
On Chithira, the pookalam becomes more elaborate as vibrant flowers are added, enhancing its beauty.
This day is dedicated to preparing for the grand festivities of Onam, with families starting to plan the sadya (feast) and other traditional activities.
Cultural practices such as traditional dances, music, and storytelling also take center stage, setting the tone for the upcoming celebrations.
Day 3
Chodhi
Chodhi is marked by a heightened sense of anticipation as the festival nears its peak.
The pookalam is further embellished, and homes are cleaned thoroughly.
On this day, people often visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.
It is also a time for preparing traditional sweets and dishes that will be served during the sadya.
Day 4
Vishakam
The fourth day, Vishakam, continues the tradition of decorating the pookalam with a wide variety of colorful flowers.
People stock their homes with the season's finest harvest.
Special attention is given to preparing traditional attire for the Onam celebrations, ensuring that families are dressed in their finest.
Families often exchange gifts and eagerly anticipate cultural activities, including traditional dances such as kathakali and thiruvathirakali.
Day 5
Anizham
Anizham, the fifth day, is renowned for the famous vallamkali (boat race), a thrilling and colorful event that draws thousands of spectators.
The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the boat races symbolize the competitive spirit and unity of the people.
It also marks a key moment in the festival's activities and contributes to the overall festive atmosphere.
Day 6 and 7
Thriketa and moolam
On Thriketa, the focus shifts to community celebrations, traditional games, music, dance, and entertainment, with the pookalam central to the festivities.
Moolam, the seventh day, is dedicated to preparing the grand sadya feast, featuring a variety of traditional dishes served on banana leaves.
Both days are marked by family gatherings, vibrant cultural activities, and final touches to the feast preparations.
Day 8, 9, and 10
Pooradam,Uthradon, and Thiruvonam
On the eighth day i.e. Pooradam, the pookalam is completed, and the Onam statue of King Mahabali is installed.
The ninth day, Uthradom, focuses on finalizing preparations for Thiruvonam.
On the 10th day, Thiruvonam, the grand sadya feast is enjoyed, featuring traditional Kerala dishes, along with special prayers, rituals, and cultural performances, concluding with the belief that King Mahabali returns to bring prosperity.