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Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
When is Onam 2025? Date, significance and how Kerala's harvest festival is celebrated
Onam 2025: Onam is an auspicious regional festival celebrated predominantly in Kerala, marking the end of monsoon and beginning of harvest season. This harvest celebration features various activities including boat races, traditional dances, and rituals, commemorating the legendary Emperor Mahabali and Hindu mythology. Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated in the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar, which typically falls between August and September. The festivities begin on Atham day, when Atham Nakshatra is present, and last for 10 days, culminating on Thiruvonam, the main day. In 2025, Onam celebrations will start on August 26, 2025, and end on Friday, September 5, 2025, according to The main day, Thiruvonam Nakshathram, commences on September 4 from 11:44 pm and concludes on September 5 at 11:38 pm. Onam marks the return of the then-King Mahabali or Maveli, who was known as a generous and virtuous ruler, according to Mythology. During his reign, the kingdom thrived so much that the devas grew jealous, partly because King Mahabali was an asura, a member of a clan who were enemies of the devas. As a result, they sent Lord Vishnu, disguised as Vamana (a dwarf), to King Mahabali. The generous king Mahabali offered Vaman three feet of land. As Vamana measured, he grew so large that he measured all worlds in two steps. With nowhere else to place his third step, Mahabali asked him to place it on his head. Pleased by his benevolence, Vamana blessed Mahabali by allowing him to visit his subjects once a year, an occasion celebrated as Onam by all Keralites. Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts) and more. It is New Year's Day for Malayali Hindus. Girls and women create intricate designs with flowers on the ground to decorate their houses, courtyards, and temples. Onam 2025 Gifting new clothes to loved ones is a significant part of Onam. This typically includes traditional white and gold Kasavu sarees for women and Mundu for men. Women also adorn their hair with flowers. Onam 2025 Onam Sadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast, is prepared on this day. It features 26 to 28 dishes, including rice, various main dishes, pickles, and Papad, all served on a banana leaf. A sweet treat called 'Payasam' is also made. Onam 2025 Pulikali, or Tiger Dance, is a vibrant folk art from Kerala, India, performed on Onam's fourth day. Artists paint their bodies like tigers with yellow, red, and black stripes and dance to traditional percussion rhythms. Onam 2025
New Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Thiruvona Mahatmyam', kathakali on the legend of Onam, to be performed today
KOCHI: A new kathakali play based on the legend behind Thiruvonam, the cultural festival of Kerala, will be staged at Kalikotta Palace in Tripunithura on Sunday. The play written by P K Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, of Puthuvamana, Arayankavu in Ernakulam district has been choreographed by the teachers at Kerala Kalamandalam. The Kalamandalam troupe led by Kalamandalam Ravikumar will perform the play at Tripunithura. 'The play was written in 2022 and the first performance was at Kalamandalam. Later it was staged at Trikkakara temple also. The play named 'Thiruvona Mahatmyam' tells the legend behind the Onam festival, and the story has been sourced from Vamana Purranam,' said Unnikrishnan Namboothiri. The story starts with Bali addressing his Asura court after capturing the heavens. Sukracharya, the Guru of Asuras advises Bali to seek the blessings of his grandfather Prahlada to establish his kingdom and rule the three worlds. Prahlada, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu advises Bali to adhere to Dharma. The rule of Bali brings righteousness and equality in the world and people start adoring him. Meanwhile Aditi, mother of the Devas approaches Kashyapa to save her children who have been banished from heaven. On Kashyapa's advice she starts meditating Lord Vishnu who assures to reincarnate and save the Devas. As Mahabali performs Viswajit Yaga, Mahavishnu arrives there as Vamana and asks three steps of land. As Bali agrees, Vamana grows in size and measures the whole of earth and heaven in two steps. When Vamana asks where he should measure the third step, Mahabali shows his head and Vamana banishes him to netherworld, after granting a boon to visit his people every year. 'In the first part, Mahabali appears in 'Kathi' vesham, the attire of villainous character, and later transforms into Pacha vesham which represents 'Satvika' after turning virtuous,' said Unnikrishnan.
Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When is Onam 2025: Know Thiruvonam date, timings, and more about this Kerala festival
Onam 2025 Thiruvonam Date: Onam is a 10-day-long harvest festival celebrated by the Malayali community in Kerala and worldwide. The festival commemorates the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and subsequently the homecoming of King Mahabali. Onam is observed in the Chingam month on the Malayalam solar calendar, which usually corresponds to between August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The festive celebrations of Onam commence on Atham day (the day when Atham Nakshatra prevails) and continue for 10 days until the last day, called Thiruvonam, the main day. This year, Onam festivities will begin on August 26, 2025, and will conclude with Thiruvonam falling on Friday, September 5, 2025. According to Thiruvonam Nakshathram will begin on September 4, at 11:44 PM, and conclude on September 5 at 11:38 PM. They celebrate the festival by deep cleaning their homes, taking early morning baths, decorating their homes with flowers, creating Pookalam (colourful patterns) outside their homes, and eating Onam Sandhya, a feast prepared with the help of all family members and traditionally eaten with hands. Households in the southern state make a variety of banana chips, a popular Kerala dish, to serve during the feast. Family members exchange gifts of 'onakkodi' (new clothes), and in their home's courtyards, a swing is hung from a high limb of a tree and decked with 'oonjal' flowers.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date, time, mantra, puja vidhi, fasting rules, significance of Achala Ekadashi to please Lord Vishnu
Apara Ekadashi, one of the significant Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar, will be observed this year on May 23, 2025. As per Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 1:12 AM on May 23 and conclude at 10:29 PM the same day. Parana, the time to break the fast, will be observed the next day, May 24, from 5:25 AM to 8:10 AM. Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu across India to seek blessings and spiritual merit. The fast is observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. Apara Ekadashi 2025: Religious importance Hindu scriptures describe Apara Ekadashi as spiritually significant. Vaishnavites—followers of Lord Vishnu—observe this day by fasting and offering prayers. Each Ekadashi has distinct customs, and on Apara Ekadashi, devotees fast and offer bhog prasad to the deity. The fast is concluded the next day during the Parana period. As per religious texts, Lord Krishna explained the significance of this day to Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava. The Pandavas are believed to have observed this fast for victory in the Mahabharata war. 'Apar' means limitless, symbolising that Lord Vishnu grants boundless blessings, wealth, and fulfillment of wishes to those who observe the fast sincerely. Scriptures state that those who keep the fast with purity and devotion are freed from their past sins. Many believe the fast helps cleanse the body, mind, and soul. It is also said to lead devotees toward salvation. Live Events Why Vamana Avatar is Worshipped on Apara Ekadashi Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is remembered for restoring balance in the universe. As per the scriptures, he appeared in the form of a dwarf and defeated the demon king Mahabali. Through this act, Vamana reestablished the power of the gods and upheld dharma. His story is seen as a lesson in humility and the victory of righteousness over ego. Spiritual and Planetary Significance The Vamana avatar is associated with humility and karmic balance. Devotees believe that worshipping him helps remove ego and correct past actions. Astrologically, this form of Vishnu is connected to the planet Jupiter, which signifies wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Prayers to Vamana on Apara Ekadashi are believed to help reduce the impact of unfavourable planetary positions. Apara Ekadashi Rituals Devotees begin the day with a morning bath and commence puja rituals early. An idol of Lord Vishnu is placed and worshipped with a diya lit using desi ghee and flowers or a garland. For the evening puja, devotees prepare panchamrit—a mixture of milk, ghee, curd, honey, and sugar—and offer it as bhog prasad. Lord Vishnu Aarti is recited during the offering. Apara or Achala Ekadashi Mantras The mantra 'Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye' is chanted throughout the day. Many devotees also visit temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Those who are unable to fast completely may consume satvik food in the evening. The fast is broken on the following day during the Dwadashi Tithi after offering prasad to the Lord. Mantras recited on Apara Ekadashi Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye Hari Om Namo Narayanaye Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram, Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Worship Vamana Avatar and seek blessings of Lord Vishnu on Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is a very auspicious day honoring Lord Vishnu that is celebrated on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi tithi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. This month, Apara Ekadashi will be celebrated on May 23, 2025. This Ekadashi, which is well-known for its profound spiritual meaning and karmic cleansing ability, is believed to boost one's soul toward moksha (liberation), eliminate sins, and dissolve negative karma. Astrology advises followers to worship Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar on this auspicious day in order to obtain divine protection and blessings. Significance of Apara Ekadashi: Since "Apara" means "Limitless" or "Boundless," it refers to the innumerable advantages that can be gained by observing this Ekadashi with devotion and maintaining proper discipline. According to ancient books like the Brahmanda Purana, worshipping Lord Vishnu, observing strict fast and performing various religious and spiritual practices on this day can help atone for the biggest transgressions, including those committed in past incarnations knowingly or unknowingly. According to astrology, Apara Ekadashi aligns with strong cosmic energies that support karmic cleansing, especially during Krishna Paksha, the time of introspection, letting go, and spiritual growth, when the Moon is declining toward the new moon. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이미지로 기억하면 영어가 쉬워진다! 40분 특강 무료 공개 스티븐영어 지금 시작하기 Undo Why you should worship Vamana Avatar on Apara Ekadashi? Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation, Vamana, is known for reestablishing the equilibrium of the universe. According to the legend, Vamana, appeared as a dwarf, vanquished the demon king Mahabali and reestablished the power of the gods. Vamana restored cosmic dharma and preached the importance of righteousness above ego. Let's move forward and know the other reasons that why you should worship Vamana Avtar: Reasons: Karmic Correction : Since Vamana Avatar symbolizes regaining balance and humility, it is perfect for removing ego-based barriers and karmic obligations. Jupiter Planet: He is in charge of Jupiter's (Guru), which can balance out adverse planetary effects. Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, dharma, and higher education. Spiritual Development: Vamana's tale promotes disengagement from worldly conceit and inner spiritual surrender. Puja Rituals Based on Astrology Devotees can engage in the following puja rituals and practices on Apara Ekadashi to worship Vamana avatar and seek blessings of Lord Vishnu: Fasting: To express devotion and self-control, observe a complete or partial fast according to your capacity or health condition Offer Prayers: Offer Lord Vishnu flowers, fruits, and other offerings during a special puja. Mantra Chanting: Chant the holy hymn known as Vishnu Sahasranama, which contains 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. Donations & Charity: To foster compassion and generosity, get involved in donations and charity and help poor people. Meditation and Reflection: Take some time to meditate and contemplate, paying particular attention to the teachings of Lord Vishnu and the meaning of Apara Ekadashi. Astrological Advantages of Worshipping Vamana Avatar On Apara Ekadashi, worshiping the Vamana avatar is thought to have several advantages, such as: Negative Karma: Removal of negative karma and impediments from previous lives. Spiritual Development: Quicken your spiritual development and deepen your relationship with Lord Vishnu. Prosperity and Happiness: Draw luck, prosperity, and happiness into your life. Seek Forgiveness: Seek pardon from Lord Vishnu for past transgressions and obtain his protection from harm. Worshiping the Vamana avatar and asking Lord Vishnu for blessings on Apara Ekadashi can lead to happiness, prosperity, and spiritual development for devotees. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
