At the beginning of the first month of Malayalam Calendar Kolla Varsham called Chingam onam festival is celebrated.Onam 2020 is on 30 August, Wednesday and thiruvonam in August 31.
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Onam festival continues for ten days, beginning on Atham Day and culminating on Thiru Onam. The most important days for Onam festivities are Atham and Thiru Onam. Thiru Onam corresponds to the Shravan day in the month of August or September, therefore it is also called Sravanotsavam.
In keeping with King Mahabali 's legend in whose memory Onam is celebrated, the day of Onam is decided. People believe it was this particular day in the month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in King Mahabali 's kingdom, and sent him into the world of Pathalam.
People believe it is on the last day, Tiruonam, that King Maveli 's spirit visits Kerala, so the day is marked by festivities and feasts. Maveli devotees commemorate the golden age that was witnessed during Onam in the reign of Maveli. People lay Pookalam in the front courtyard to welcome their revered ruler, prepare an Onasadya, dance, play, and make merry. All this is done to impress on King Mahabali that his people are happy and prosperous.