Explanation: Onam is a significant festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects during this time. The festival is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
The Malayalam calendar, also known as the Kollam Era, is a traditional calendar used in Kerala. It is a solar calendar that is divided into twelve months, each corresponding to a zodiac sign. The months in the Malayalam calendar are named as follows: Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrischikam, Dhanu, Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam, Medam, Edavam, Midhunam, and Karkidakam.
Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, which is the first month of the Malayalam calendar. Chingam typically falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated over a period of ten days, with the main celebrations taking place on the tenth day, known as Thiruonam.
The celebration of Onam includes various cultural and religious activities such as the preparation of Onam Sadhya (a traditional vegetarian feast), the making of Pookalam (flower carpets), boat races, and traditional dances like Thiruvathira and Kaikottikali. The festival is a time for family reunions, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
It is important to note that the Malayalam calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar, and the dates of Onam can vary slightly from year to year. However, the month of Chingam remains constant as the month of Onam celebration.
In summary, Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam in the Malayalam calendar, which is the first month of the year and typically falls in August or September. This month is significant in the cultural and religious calendar of Kerala and marks the beginning of the harvest season and the homecoming of King Mahabali.