Onam is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Malyalis residing in India as well as other parts of country. Celebrated in Kerala with great joy, happiness and fervour, Onam marks the beginning of harvest and the return of King Mahabali to his own people, to his beloved state Kerala. This festival holds both cultural and religious significance and every single day in this 10-day festival holds utmost significance. It starts at Atham and is followed by Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam.
Thiruvonam is the tenth and final day and is considered the most auspicious. It's a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture, heritage, and traditions. Thiruvonam marks the end of Onam celebrations. It is the day when king Mahabali visits his beloved kingdom once every year and witnesses the happiness of his people. As per some legends, King Mahabali’s spirit pervades Kerala, and people engage in various festivities to commemorate his benevolent reign as a symbol of equality, justice and unconditional love.
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On Thiruvonam day, people wake up early and perform traditional rituals. They clean their houses and apply rice flour batter on the main entrance while making a traditional welcome sign. People decorate their houses with beautiful flower arrangements called pookalams. They take an early bath, wear new clothes and perform necessary rituals at the temples. While women dress up in traditional attire called kasavu sarees, men wear mundus or dhotis. The eldest members of the family extend their blessings and presents clothes to all the family members.
One of the main highlights of Thiruvonam or the final day of this 10-day long festival is the grand feast called Onam Sadhya or Onasadhya. An indominable part of Onam, Onasadhya comprises of a meal consisting of around 26 dishes including avial, olan, thoran, and payasam beautifully served on a banana leaf. Apart from feasting, Thiruvonam day involves several cultural performances like Kathakali dances, Pulikali and Vallamkali. It is a time for people to get together, to celebrate and to eat food together.
Marking the end of a 10-day long festival, Thiruvonam is a time when people celebrate the spirit of unity, prosperity, and devotion. The festival showcases unique traditions, captivating cultural performances and of course, scrumptious food, making it an unforgettable experience for those who are a part of the celebration.