Onam is one of the major festivals of Kollam. It is celebrated in Chingam, the first month of Malayalam calendar. Chingam corresponds to the months of August-September in the Christian calendar.
Onam is a ten day festival that begins with Atham, the date of which is decided according to the position of the stars. Atham is considered to be the most auspicious day. The Atham and Thiru are the two important days of the festival. The festivities of Onam begin from lunar asterism and culminate on Thiru Onam. Thiru Onam corresponds to the Shravan day. Therefore, Onam in Kollam is also known as Sravanotsavam.
Legends believe that Lord Vishnu took his first avatar (incarnation) during this time of the year as Vaamana (dwarf). Vaamana is said to have visited King Mahabali. Onam in Kollam is celebrated in accordance with the legend of King Mahabali and the Vaamana avatar. It is further believed that the king visits Kerala on the last day of the festival. Therefore, the festival is celebrated with pomp and grandeur in order to pay reverence to the king. This festival is held in the Kollam temples as well as the Kollam households.
