Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala which is celebrated with great pomp and fervour in the state. Malayalis living in different parts of the country observe the day with large scale celebrations. The day is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Chingam, which, as per the Gregorian calendar, overlaps with the months of August-September. Chingam is the first month of Malayalam solar calendar, Kollavarsham. This year, the Onam festivities will begin on September 1, and continue till September 13. And as Onam 2019 approaches, we have compiled information and schedule about the festival. Onam 2019 Date: Story, Significance And Celebrations Related to the Harvest Festival of Kerala.

Onam is celebrated to welcome the legendary King Mahabali who once reigned the land. The Kerala festival commences on the day known as Atham and carries on till the 10th day known as Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam. Onam 2019 begins on September 2 and Thiru Onam will be celebrated on September 11. During these 10 days, Kerala witnesses various cultural, religious and traditional events. Various traditional events hosting artforms and folk dances are held across the state.

  • Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala which falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam

  • The origin of the festival has a popular mythological story attached to it involving Asura King Mahabali who was extremely good to his subjects.

  • It is a 10-day festival which begins with Atham on September 2 and continues till September 12 which marks Thiruvonam.

  • Onasadhya or a traditional feast is an integral part of the celebrations which incudes nine-dishes other than sweet dishes. It is served on a banana leaf.

  • Malayalis make Pookalam outside their doors which is an arrangement of flowers.

  • People meet their friends and family on Thiruvonam and prefer to celebrate the day in revelry.

On the day of Onam, people wake up early in the morning, put on their new clothes and visit their friends and family. The day is also a time for family get-togethers and other celebrations. We wish everyone celebrating the festival, a Happy Onam in advance.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2019 07:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).