Onam is a major festival for Malayalis, the native speakers of Malayalam. The date for Onam is determined by the Solar Calendar and falls in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam Solar Calendar. Chingam corresponds to the Simha month in other solar calendars and the Avani month in the Tamil Calendar. The festival is celebrated on the day when the Thiruvonam Nakshatra occurs in Chingam, also known as Shravana in other Hindu calendars.
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Onam commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the subsequent return of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. The festival marks the annual visit of Asura King Mahabali from Patala (the underworld), with the belief that on Thiruvonam day, King Mahabali visits every Malayali home to meet his people.
The Onam celebrations begin on Atham day, which is marked by the presence of the Atham Nakshatra, and last for 10 days, culminating on Thiruvonam day. In other Hindu calendars, Atham Nakshatra is referred to as Hasta Nakshatra. This festival is a period of joy, unity, and cultural richness, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of Onam.