10 DAYS OF ONAM

Tomorrow Onam is celebrated by all Malayalees irrespective of religion. Malayalees in Kerala celebrate the Harvest festival for 10 days. Times are hard, so in Malaysia, Onam is celebrated for a day. That too many find it difficult to take leave to be with their loved ones and to have a good Onam saadhya.

What are the 10 days about.

The first day of Onam is called Atham and is of great significance. People start making Pookalam from this day and wait for Maveli to visit their house. A colourful procession Athachamyam is also carried in Kochi to mark the arrival of Onam.

The second day of Onam is called Chithira. There are no major customs for this day. Girls add more flowers to the already existing Pookalam and give it a more colourful design.

Third day of Onam is called Chothi or Chodi. People indulge in shopping on this day and make every effort to see that nothing is left undone for the day of Onam.

Fourth day of Onam is called Vishagam or Visakam. With a few days left for Thiru Onam excitement is palpabale amongst the people. Women get busy in making prior preparations of the grand meal called Onasadya.

Fifth day of Onam is called, Anizham. The major highlight of this day is the grand race called Vallamkali which takes place on the banks of the river Pampa at Aranmulla.

Sixth day of Onam is called Triketta or Thriketa. A large number of cultural programmes are organised in various parts of the state as a general atmosphere of excitement and mirth prevails.

Seventh day of Onam is called Moolam. Markets are abuzz with activity on this day as a large number of people do their last bit of shopping. Pookalam gets an even more interesting design with fresh flowers.

Eighth day of Onam is called Pooradam. On this day people make clay idols in the shape of small pyramids called a called a Ma. As the idol is created on the day of Pooradam, it is also called Poorada Uttigal.

Ninth day of Onam is called Utradam or Uthradam. This is a significant day as it is a penultimate day to Thiruvonam. In some places celebrations begin from the day of Utradam only.

Tenth day of Onam is called Thiruvonam. This is considered to be the most important and auspicious day. People believe that it is on this day that the spirit of King Maveli comes to visit his people in Kerala.