Significance Of Each Day In Onam

Atham

Atham is regarded as auspicious and holy, and marks the first day of Onam. People wake up early and after their daily ablutions, offer prayers in the local temple. People enjoy a breakfast that consists of steamed plantains and fried papads. A swing is installed and is decorated with flowers. Traditionally, the swings (Oonjal) are made with bamboo instead of ropes. These swings tend to go farther than the rope swings and therefore, are more fun. Kids play on these, sing songs of Onam (Onapattu) and make merry.

People start decorating their courtyards with colourful flower carpets (Pooklalam/ Athapoo). The flower carpet is used to welcome Mahabali. It is more or less simple on Atham as it is only the first day. The designs get more and more intricate with each day of Onam.

Athachamyam is a grand procession with elephants, artisans, musicians and dancers. It is a grand sight to behold. The Athachamyam at Thripunithura, Kochi, is of special significance.

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Chithira/ Chitra

Chithira is the second day of Onam celebrations. Though there are no rituals set aside for the day, people often pray to the almighty for prosperity and happiness. Girls add more varieties of flowers to the flower carpet and make the designs more creative.

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Chothi/ Chodi

Chodi is the third day of the festivities. It is a fun filled day and the people often go shopping. Most shops have huge offers and discounts and people use this time to buy gifts for near and dear.

Vishakham

The fourth day, Vishakham is used to prepare for the following days of onam. The food items like pickles and papads are made this day. Pookalam competitions are held this day in many places and people participate in it with great interest.

Anizham

It is the fifth day of Onam and is the mid point of all the gaiety. Vallamkali or the boat race is the main attraction of this day. Competitiveness is in the very air as the famous snake boats (chundan vallam) of Kerala vie with each other in the river Pamba at Aranmulla. The occasion attracts tourists from all over the world.

Each boat is decorated with care and is oared by hundreds of men. The men are dressed in the traditional 'mundu' and turban. Vanchipattu or the boat songs are the highlight of the race. The oars move to the rhythm of the song and are a spectacle to behold. It is said that if a single oarsman misses the rhythm, he may risk overturning the boat.

Thriketta

Day six of Onam doesn't have many rituals set for it. Social gatherings and cultural programmes are organised all over Kerala and wherever Malayalis live. People who stay away from their homes, come back to celebrate the remaining days of Onam with their family.

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Moolam

With only three days of Onam left, the seventh day is filled with hustle and bustle. People rush to do their last minute shopping. The time to meet 'Onathappan' is just around the corner.

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Pooradam

The eight day sees the creation of idols from clay. The idols are small four sided pyramids and are called Ma or Madoru. They are also called Poorada Uttigal after the day of their creation. These are decorated with flowers and are worshipped as they represent Mahabali and his attendants.

Uthradam

It is the ninth day and it is the penultimate day of celebration. Full fledged celebrations are already in place. The flower carpets are at their creative best and elaborate feasts are prepared. The celebration is second only to the main day of Onam- Thiruvonam.

'Onakazhcha' was a tradition followed in the days of yore. The dependants of the Nair Tharavads ( Large joint families that shared a common kitchen) would bring fruits of their toil to the Karnavar ( the heads of the family) as gifts. In return, they would be treated to a scrumptious feast on Thiruvonam. Though the practice is fast fading away, Onakazhcha is still conducted in temples where the devotees offer gifts to their deity.

Thiruvonam

Its the final and most important day of Onam. This is the day Mahabali or Onathappan, as he is lovingly called, visits his land and people. You will find a malayali household abuzz with activity. The flower carpert would be the largest this day. Pooja is done with the Ma or Madoru representing Mahabali and Maha Vishnu.

An elaborate feast is prepared with 11- 13 dishes served on a banana leaf. The feast is strictly vegetarian and each dish has its specific position on the banana leaf. The eldest member of the family presents the new cloths and gifts to the family members. Dances, shows and games are organised. Crackers are burst to celebrate the festival.

Avittom and Chadayam are the 11th and 12th days of Onam and are celebrated in some parts of Kerala but most festivities end on Thiruvonam.