Onam is one of the most popular and important festivals in Kerala. This festival, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is celebrated annually between August and September.
Onam is one of the most popular and important festivals in Kerala. This festival, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is celebrated annually between August and September. This year, it will be celebrated on August 21, 2021.
However, the festivities have already started from 12th August and will continue till 23rd September, 2021, i.e. it starts on the day of Atham and continues for the next 10 days till Thiruvonam day.
As per the solar calendar, Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam when the constellation Thiruvonam predominates in this month.
Onam 2021 Date and Time:
Onam 2021 Date – Saturday, August 21, 2021
Onam Nakshatram starts – 20 August 2021 at 09:25 PM
Onam Nakshatram ends - 21st August 2021 at 08:22 pm
Significance of Onam 2021:
Onam is a harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated mainly by the Malayali-speaking natives. It is celebrated to honor the demon king Mahabali, a kind and very loving demon.
According to the belief, it was in this month itself that he returned to Kerala during the festival. To commemorate this, this festival is celebrated with full pomp.
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According to Vaishnava mythology, King Mahabali defeated the gods and ruled the three worlds, Akash Lok, Prithvi Lok and Hades.
However, he was one of the kindest demons and loved his people as well. Seeing this, the deities became insecure and requested Lord Vishnu to control King Mahabali.
Lord Vishnu acceded to his request and the Brahmin dwarf incarnation Vamana, the fifth incarnation. When King Mahabali asked Vamana about his wish, he replied, "Three pieces of land".
As soon as Mahabali fulfilled Vamana's wish, he started moving, covering the sky and the Hades. When he was about to take the third land, the king of the demons offered his head.
Seeing this, Lord Vishnu was impressed and expressed his desire to visit his kingdom during Onam. Due to which this festival of Onam is celebrated in Kerala.
People celebrate this festival in a very good way and during this time decorations are done in every house. Apart from this, people dance and sing and happily celebrate this festival by sharing in each other's happiness in harmony.