First Onam

Uthradam nakshatra, the day ahead of Thiruvonam which is Onam festival is celebrated as First Onam. Onam is a 10day festival that begins on the day of Atham in Chingam month and followed by nakshatras Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and culminates on Thiruvonam as Onam Festival. The days following Onam i.e nakshatras Avittam and Sadhayam are celebrated as Third and Fourth Onam. All the celebrations for Onam actually commence on First Onam day.

First Onam Date 2023

On First Onam, the full-fledged celebrations for Onam begin. First Onam, Onam day and Third & Fourth Onam are state holidays in Kerala.

Different cultural activities and competitions like traditional Kathakali, thiruvathirakali and Chakyar Koothu, Ottam Thullal, other music, and art forms are performed.

Vallamkali -boat race is a grand event in Kerala, snake shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete on the waters of Pamba river. Cash rewards are presented for the winners.

Procession of Elephants adorned with traditional ornaments are organised for the eve of Onam festival.

Pookolam is placed on the house entrance of every household. Thrikkakara appan (Onathappan) or Vamanamoorthy idols are installed in the centre of the Pookolam for worship.

Pulikali is a special dance where men painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen performing Pulikali dance during this time of the year for Onam.

First Onam festival dates between 2019 & 2029

Other Related Festivals