What Does The Word Onam Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The word Onam is said to have originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which means

one of the 27 nakshatras or constellations

. Thiruvonam is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s nakshatra. He is said to have pushed King Mahabali into the underworld with his foot.

How did Onam get its name?

Onam festival is celebrated to honour

the kind-hearted and much-beloved demon King Mahabali

, who is believed to return to Kerala during this festival. According to Vaishnava mythology, King Mahabali defeated the Gods and began ruling over all three worlds. King Mahabali was a demon king who belonged to the Asura tribe.

What is the meaning of Onam?

Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം, romanized: Ōṇaṁ) is

an annual Hindu harvest festival celebrated

in the Indian state of Kerala. … Drawing from Hindu legends, Onam commemorates King Mahabali.

Why is Onam celebrated?

Onam Festival: History

Onam is celebrated

to honour the home-coming of a mythical-demon king Mahabali

. Mahabali was a demon but he was known for being generous and kind-hearted. Gods were very insecure about the popularity of the demon king and so, they asked help from Lord Vishnu.

What do you do on Onam?

Onam is celebrated over 10 days during Kerala’s month of Chingam. During the festival, people will hold

grand processions, boat races

, and traditional folk dances such as Thiruvathira, Kathakali, and Pulikali the tiger dance.

What is the another name of Onam?

Onam is also called

Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam (Sacred Onam Day)

. Sravanmahotsav is another name for this festival. Each day is given a different name and there are specific celebrations on each day. There also are post-Onam celebrations in Kerala which adds to the ten-day festival.

How do you wish Happy Onam?

“Happy Onam. On this joyous occasion of Onam, I wish you joy and good health and may you always enjoy the bounty of nature!” “May

King Mahabali

bless you with good health and happiness. May all your hopes, dreams and wishes come true.

Do Keralites celebrate Diwali?


Most Keralites follow Christianity

. Lack of Hindus in the area is another reason for Diwali not being celebrated. We all know that Diwali is a Hindu Festival. Onam is celebrated as the main festival in this state which marks the welcoming of King Mahabali.

Which flower is known as Onam flower?


Thumba, also known as Ceylon Slitwort

, is a tiny white flower that is an essential component of Onam Pookalam. Thumba is the only flower used for Onam Pookalam on Attam, the first day of Onam. Tulasi: Tulasi cannot be avoided during Onam Pookalam.

Why do we put Pookalam?

The legend goes that as per the boon granted by Lord Vishnu’s avatar Vamana, King Mahabali who was sent to the Nether World or Pataal Lok,

could only pay a visit to his kingdom and people annually

. Therefore, to celebrate his return, people put floral carpets or pookalam.

What is Onam special food?

The usual items in an Onam Sadhya include:

Kaaya varuthatha (banana chips)

, chena varuthatha (yam chips), sarkara upperi (Jaggery coated banana chips), mango pickle, lime pickle, puli inji (tamarind & ginger chutney), kichadi (Gourd in mildly spiced yoghurt), pachadi (Pineapple in yoghurt) , olan ( ash gourd with black …

What is the most important festival of Kerala?

  • Onam – The National Festival of Kerala. A legend of Onam is about the sweet memories of distant past when Mahabali, a celebrated emperor of the Asuras (demons) was supposed have ruled over Kerala. …
  • Vishu. …
  • Navarathri. …
  • Deepavali. …
  • Maha Shivarathri. …
  • Christmas. …
  • Easter. …
  • Miladi Sherif.

Which is the most exciting part of Onam?

The best part of Onam Festival is

Sadya

! On the day of Thiruvonam, you are blessed with the traditional Onam Sadya. This would have more than 25 different types of dishes which is served on a banana leaf. Sadya is one of the most important and anticipated elements of Onam.

What do you say on Onam?

Onam wishes & greetings

Wish you

a very Happy Onam!

Happy Onam! Happy Onam! Happy Onam!

Who is happy Onam?

Onam marks the first month of the Malayalam calendar known as Chingam. The festival commemorates the appearance of Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary

King Mahabali

. Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala.

How many days is Onam celebrated?

Onam, the most revered and celebrated festival of Kerala, is celebrated every year by the Malayali community across the world. The

10-day long

festival marks the beginning of harvest season as well as the appearance of the Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu along with the homecoming of King Mahabali.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.