Onam 2017: Date, Muhurat, significance and timings

Onam is celebrated to welcome the demon king back to the land that he ruled.

Onam 2017 began on August 25 and will end on September 6. It is the biggest and most significant festivals in the state of Kerala. t is a harvest festival that signifies the rice harvest and is celebrated by all people of all communities of Kerala state.

Onam Muhurat

Thiruvonam which is the last and most important day of Onam celebrations will be celebrated this year on Monday, September 4, 2017 according to Drik Panchang.

Onam timings

Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins at 09:37 on 3/Sep/2017
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends = 11:18 on 4/Sep/2017

Significance

Onam is celebrated to welcome the demon king back to the land that he ruled. During the reign of Mahabali Kerala experienced a time of prosperity and happiness and the king was revered by all his subjects. However, Mahabali was an egoist and fought with the Devas to showcase his supremacy. He defeated them and conquered their region and became lord of the two worlds. In order to celebrate his victory he decided to perform a yajna and proclaimed that whoever comes to him to ask for anything, they would be gratified. The Devas asked Lord Vishnu to wage war on Mahabali and get their kingdom back but he refused as Mahabali was his devotee. However, he thought of testing him, so he took avatar as a dwarf (Vamana avatar) and asked Mahabali for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed thinking the dwarf will not be able to ask a lot. But Lord Vishnu in the Vamana avatar increased his size and with two paces covered the entire kingdom of Mahabali, for the third pace Mahabali offered him his head. The God granted him a boon that he could visit his kingdom and people once a year and this visit are celebrated as Onam.

Onam Celebrations

People of Kerala go all out to show to their lovable king that they are happy and prosperous in his kingdom. They decorate their houses with flowers, colours and delectable feasts. Boat races, martial arts, folk dance, mask dance, elephants and nine-course meals consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes and called Onasadya is served during the festival season.

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