- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Onam 2023 Dates: The popular harvest festival of Kerala state is all set to commence. Onam is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Malyali community with great fervour and enthusiasm and marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, known as Kolla Varsham. Also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, this festival is celebrated annually between August and September.
Onam 2023: Dates
This year, the significant Malyali festival of Onam will commence on August 20 and culminate on 31 August with the celebrations for 10 days. The Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins will begin at 02:43 AM on Aug 29, 2023, and end at 11:50 PM on Aug 29, 2023, according to Drik Panchang.
August 20, 2023: Athachamayam, Athapoo Pookalam
August 21, 2023: Chithira Day
August 22, 2023: Chodhi Day
August 23, 2023: Vishakham Day
August 24, 2023: Anizham Day, Vallam Kali
August 25, 2023: Thriketa Day
August 26, 2023: Moolam Day, Onam Sadya
August 27, 2023: Pooradam Day, Onathappan
August 28, 2023: Uthradom Day, First Onam Uthrada Pachil
August 29, 2023: Thiruvonam Day, Second Onam, Thiru-Onam
August 30, 2023: Avittom Day, Third Onam, Thrissur Pulikali
August 31, 2023: Chathayam Day, Fourth Onam
Onam 2023: Significance
Onam holds great significance in the Malayalam calendar as it signifies the bountiful harvest and also marks the beginning of the new year. The date of this festival is based on the Solar calendar and varies every year. It is usually celebrated in Chingam month on the Malayalam Solar Calendar.
According to Drik Panchang, Chingam month is known as Simha month in other solar calendars and Avani month in Tamil Calendar. The day when Nakshatra Thiruvonam prevails in the month of Chingam is considered for Onam celebrations. Thiruvonam Nakshatra is known as Shravana in other Hindu Calendars. Thiruvonam commemorates the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali.
Onam 2023: Celebrations
The celebrations of Onam begin on Antham Day, the day when Atham Nakshatra prevails and continues for the next ten days until Thiruvonam Day. During the ten days of Onam, people wake up early in the morning and wear new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’, while women of the house make beautiful floral rangoli designs to decorate their homes, known as ‘Pookkalam’ and prepare several delicacies.