The eighth day of Onam is known as Pooradam. This day holds a special significance in the Onam festivity. In 2022, Pooradam Onam date is September 6.
The Athappookalam or floral carpet is largely increased in width. The family members add more special flowers to it. The people highly expect the arrival of Onthappan so they clean their household in order to ensure that the space in the given household is very hygienic.
The household’s kitchen is quiet busy with women folks busy preparing delicacies and making several pickles. Those family members who are out of state and country tries to return to their hometown on this day. They make sure that their journey back to home is on time and safe.
The day also marks with important traditional rituals. The smaller in size statues of Vamana and Mahabali will be given a wash and fully cleaned in order to be taken on a procession on this day. Later, these statutes are successfully installed in the floral carpet’s center smeared with rice-flour batter. On this day, children become Pooradaunnikkal because they are given the duty of smearing the rice-flour batter. It is to be noted that the statue is called Onathappan.
It is to be remembered that the floral carpet design becomes larger from this day onwards. Even complex designs are selected by the women folks. Normally people also indulge in outdoor activities such as shopping as the day of Thiruvonam is approaching within a few days. The thrill and enthusiasm can be seen in each and every Malayali. Their activities indicates the speciality of this day.