When Is Onam in 2021, 2022 and 2023?

When Is Onam in 2021, 2022 and 2023?

Onam is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of the solar Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). It falls in August or September each year. There are four main days of Onam. The most important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam, meaning "Sacred Onam Day") is the second day.

• In 2021, Thiru Onam is on August 21.
• In 2022, Thiru Onam is on September 8.
• In 2023, Thiru Onam is on August 29.

Onam Dates Detailed Information

Festivities actually commence 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham. As per the Malayalam calendar, the dates for 2021 and their significance are as follows:

• Atham (August 12, 2021) is when mythical King Mahabali is believed to have started preparing to return to visit his kingdom in Kerala. People begin the day with an early bath, followed by temple visits and prayers. The women also commence creating floral arrangements (pookalam) on the ground in front of homes to welcome him. Traditionally, the pookalams are completed with ten rings, each representing a Hindu god. The colors are chosen to please each god, and only yellow flowers are used on Atham for the first layer of the pookalam. However, these days, more importance is given to how elaborate and striking the design is. A grand procession, Athachamyam, marks the start of Onam celebrations near Kochi in Kerala.
• Chithira (August 13, 2021) —people clean their houses and add another layer to the pookalams, using mostly orange and creamy yellow flowers.
• Chodhi (August 14, 2021) —Shopping starts for Onam. People begin buying new clothes, jewelry, and gifts.
• Vishakham (August 15, 2021) — housewives visit the markets to stock up on ingredients to make the elaborate Onam meal. Markets traditionally used to hold their harvest sale on this day, making it a popular day for shopping. Pookalam design competitions also commence across Kerala on his day.
• Anizham (August 16, 2021) — marks the start of festive Vallam Kalli snake boat races in the state. A mock race is held at Aranmula, as a rehearsal for the legendary Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkalli boat race that takes place there after the main day of Onam.
• Thriketa (August 17, 2021) people begin visiting their families and fresh flowers continue to be added to pookalams.
• Moolam (August 18, 2021) — the state is beautifully decorated. People also decorate swings with flowers to celebrate the king's homecoming. Many places start serving smaller versions of the traditional Onasadya Onam meal.
• Pooradam (August 19, 2021) — the day commences with the ritual installation of pyramid-style clay statues, known as Onathappan, in the center of pookalams. They represent king Mahabali and Lord Vamana (the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who sent Mahabali to the underworld but allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year during Onam). By now, the pookalams have greatly grown in size and complexity of design.
• First Onam/Uthradom (August 20, 2021) — this day is regarded as Onam Eve. King Mahabali is believed to arrive in Kerala. It's a jubilant occasion when people rush to complete their Onam shopping and the cleaning of their homes. It's also an auspicious day for buying fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Second Onam/Thiruvonam (August 21, 2021) — the main Onam celebrations occur on this day, when King Mahabali is said to visit people's homes. Homes are spic and span, finished pookalams are elaborate, new clothes are worn, and families gather to enjoy an elaborate vegetarian feast known as the Onam Sadya or Onasadya.
• Third Onam/Avvittom (August 22, 2021) — preparations are undertaken for King Mahabali's departure. Onathappan statues are immersed in the sea or river, and pookalams are cleared and removed.
• Fourth Onam/Chatayam (August 23, 2021) — post-Onam celebrations continue for the next couple of days with snake boat races, Pulikkali tiger play, and Kerala Tourism's Onam Week program.