Onam 2023: Utradam, also known as Uthradam, holds the position of the ninth day and second-to-last celebration within the Onam festival. The atmosphere is ablaze with excitement as individuals ready themselves to embrace the essence of King Mahabali's presence. In specific areas of Kerala, the Onam festivities burst forth in full vigor right from the onset of Utradam. This day is observed as a public holiday, affording everyone the opportunity to partake in the festivities with zeal. For certain individuals, Utradam is denoted as the inaugural Onam, while the subsequent day, Thiru Onam, is referred to as the second phase of the celebration.
Thiruvonam : Tomorrow, on August 29th, the eagerly anticipated Thiruvonam will grace us with its presence, marking the zenith of the Onam festivities. As the culmination of the vibrant celebrations, Thiruvonam holds a special place in the hearts of those who revel in the spirit of this cherished festival. It is a day that radiates with joy and togetherness, as people come together to partake in traditional rituals, feasts, and various forms of merriment. The air is infused with a sense of unity and cultural richness, as families and communities gather to create lasting memories and honor the legendary King Mahabali. Thiruvonam truly encapsulates the essence of Onam, representing a time of renewal, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of age-old traditions.
Countdown to Onam 2023
As the calendar approaches August 29, 2023, Tuesday, the excitement in Kerala grows exponentially. The countdown is at its final stage with just 2 days remaining for the much-awaited event. The festivities of Onam are set to commence on August 28, Monday, known as the First Onam, leading up to the main event, Thiruvonam 2023, which falls on August 29, Tuesday. The revelries continue with the Third and Fourth Onam on August 30, Wednesday, and August 31, Thursday, respectively.
The Significance of Onam
Onam, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, is celebrated by the Malayali community, predominantly the native speakers of Malayalam. The date for Onam is determined based on the Solar Calendar and falls in the Chingam month, corresponding to the Simha month in other solar calendars and the Avani month in the Tamil Calendar. The celebration revolves around the Nakshatra Thiruvonam, which is equivalent to Shravana in other Hindu calendars.
The Legend Behind the Festival
At the heart of Onam lies the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar and the legendary Emperor Mahabali. This vibrant festival commemorates the appearance of Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who visited King Mahabali. The story symbolizes the benevolent king's annual return from Patala, the underworld, to Kerala. On the auspicious day of Thiruvonam, it is believed that Emperor Mahabali visits every Malayali home to bless his people.
Ten Days of Celebration
The festivities of Onam are not confined to a single day; they span ten days, starting with Atham day, which aligns with the Atham Nakshatra, also known as Hasta Nakshatra in other Hindu calendars. The celebrations continue to crescendo over these ten days, leading up to the grandeur of Thiruvonam. The spirit of unity, joy, and cultural richness is evident in various activities, traditional art forms, feasting, and decorations that fill the state.
As the calendar inches closer to August 29, 2023, Kerala prepares to immerse itself in the spirit of Onam. This cherished festival, rooted in ancient mythology and celebrated with unwavering enthusiasm, reflects the cultural richness and unity of the Malayali community. Thiruvonam 2023 promises to be a time of vibrant festivities, where the legend of Emperor Mahabali and the divine Vamana avatar intertwine with modern celebrations, bringing people together in a tapestry of joy and tradition.
