Festive Day | Date & Day | Nakshatra Timing | Significance |
Atham | 30thAugust 2022Tuesday | 11:04 PM, Aug 29- 11:50 PM, Aug 30 | On Atham it is believed that King Mahabali prepared to come back and visit his kingdom. This day begins with an early bath, prayers, and floral arrangements (Pookalam) on the ground in front of homes to welcome the King. Traditionally, the floral arrangements are done 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. |
Chithira | 31stAugust 2022Wednesday | 11:50 PM, Aug 30- 12:12 AM, Sep 01 | On this day people add two more layers to the Pookalam, using mostly orange and creamy yellow coloured flowers. People visit Vishnu temples for prayers and worships. |
Chodhi | 1stSeptember 2022Thursday | 12:12 AM, Sep 01- 12:12 AM, Sep 02 | On this day people go shopping for Onam special products, gifts and items. This day is considered auspicious for buying new clothes, jewellery, and gifts. |
Vishakham | 2ndSeptember 2022Friday | 12:12 AM, Sep 02- 11:47 PM, Sep 02 | On this day, married women prepare sumptuous Onam meal. Traditionally the farming communities on this day used to organize their harvest trade. Pookalam design (floral decorations) competitions also commence in Kerala on his day |
Anizham | 3rdSeptember 2022Saturday | 11:47 PM, Sep 02- 10:57 PM, Sep 03 | On this day, the illustrious snake boat races happen across the state. Three days prior to the boat race, a trial race is organized at Aranmula. |
Thriketa | 4thSeptember 2022Sunday | 10:57 PM, Sep 03- 09:43 PM, Sep 04 | It is a day to kindle familial harmony as people visit their near and dear ones and fresh flowers continue to be added to the Pookalam. |
Moolam | 5thSeptember 2022Monday | 09:43 PM, Sep 04- 08:06 PM, Sep 05 | On this day, public places and steers are decorated with festive spirit. |
Pooradam | 6thSeptember 2022Tuesday | 08:06 PM, Sep 05- 06:09 PM, Sep 06 | This day witnesses the ceremonial installation of pyramidal clay statues called Onathappan in the center of floral arrangement. They represent king Mahabali and Lord Vamana By now, the Pookalams have greatly grown in size. |
First Onam/Uthradom | 7thSeptember 2022Wed | 06:09 PM, Sep 06- 04:00 PM, Sep 07 | On this day King Mahabali is said to visit the land of Kerala on this day. It's an ecstatic occasion when people complete their Onam shopping and spring clean their homes. It's an auspicious day for buying fresh fruit and vegetables. |
Second Onam/Thiruvonam | 8thSeptember 2022Thursday | 04:00 PM, Sep 07- 01:46 PM, Sep 08 | It is the day when the main Onam celebrations happen. King Mahabali is said to be honoured by the locals. Pookalams are extravagant. The families engage in get-to-gathers and hold vegetarian feast known as the Onam Sadya or Onasadya. |
Third Onam, Fourth Onam | 9thSeptember 2022Friday | Third Onam : 01:46 PM, Sep 08- 11:35 AM, Sep 09 Fourth Onam : 11:35 AM, Sep 09 - 09:37 AM, Sep 10 | On this day, King Mahabali is said to depart to the underworld. Onathappan statues are immersed in the sea or river, and pookalams are cleared and removed. From this day onward, Onam celebrations continue for the next few days witnessing the snake boat races, Pulikkali tiger play, and Kerala Tourism's Onam Week program. |