Onam and Milad-Un-Nabi | 19 Sep 2024

Source: PIB

Recently, the Prime Minister and President of India extended their greetings and wishes for Onam and Milad-Un-Nabi (Eid-e-Milad).

• This year both Onam and Milad-Un-Nabi were celebrated on same day across India.
• Onam:
  • Onam is a prominent harvest festival in Kerala, celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the Asura king Mahabali, who is believed to have ushered in peace and prosperity to the region. 
  • It takes place during Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham.
  • The 10-day festival begins on Atham (first day of Onam) and culminates on Thiruvonam (last day). 
  • Key celebrations include the creation of Pookkalam (flower rangolis), along with various traditional rituals such as Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Kummattikali (mask dances), and Onathallu (martial arts).
• Milad-Un-Nabi (Eid-e-Milad): It commemorates the birth of the Prophet. According to tradition, the Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabee-ul-Awwal (third month of the Islamic calendar) in Mecca in 570 CE. 
  • Notably, the Prophet also passed away on this same day.

Read More: Onam Festival