Thiruvonam (Onam)
🗓️ Thiruvonam nakshatra in the solar month of Chingam (Aug–Sep)
The story behind Thiruvonam (Onam)
Onam is Kerala's harvest festival, held on the Thiruvonam nakshatra in the month of Chingam. It welcomes the asura king Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a time when no one was deceived and all were equal, and who was granted by Bhagwan Vamana the boon of returning to see his people once each year. The floral pookalam is laid daily for ten days, growing larger as his arrival nears, and the Onasadya is served on a plantain leaf. It is kept across communities in Kerala, not by Hindus alone.
Thiruvonam (Onam) Puja Vidhi
- 1
Atham & Pookalam
Begin the floral carpet on Atham, ten days before Thiruvonam, adding a ring of flowers each day until the circle is complete.
- 2
Thrikkakara Appan
Install the conical clay figures of Thrikkakara Appan, the form of Vamana, at the centre of the pookalam, and offer flowers and a lit lamp.
- 3
Onakkodi & Vandanam
Bathe early, wear the new onakkodi clothes, and take the blessing of the elders of the household.
- 4
Onasadya
Serve the sadya of many dishes on a plantain leaf in the prescribed order, ending with payasam, and eat together.
Thiruvonam (Onam) Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥
Meaning
Salutations to Bhagwan Vasudeva — invoked here as Vamana, who granted Mahabali his yearly return.
How to chant
Chant at the time of offering before Thrikkakara Appan, on the morning of Thiruvonam.