Onam
A ten-day harvest festival celebrating the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, when Kerala transforms into a land of flowers, feasts, and joy.
When
August - September
Duration
10 Days
Region
Kerala
Significance
State Festival
Traditions
The Ten Days of Onam
Atham
Festival begins, first pookalam design is made.
Chithira
Second layer added to pookalam.
Chodhi
Shopping for new clothes begins.
Vishakam
Preparations intensify, pookalam grows.
Anizham
Snake boat races begin across Kerala.
Thriketta
Cultural programs and games.
Moolam
Temple festivals and special pujas.
Pooradam
Clay pyramids (Onathappan) are installed.
Uthradam
First Onam, preparations for Onasadya begin.
Thiruvonam
Main day with grand feast and celebrations.
The Grand Onasadya
The traditional Onam feast features 26+ dishes served on a banana leaf, eaten while sitting on the floor. Here are some highlights:
Avial
Mixed vegetables in coconut curry
Olan
Ash gourd in coconut milk
Sambar
Lentil vegetable stew
Rasam
Tangy tamarind soup
Thoran
Dry vegetable stir-fry with coconut
Payasam
Sweet milk pudding desserts
The Legend of Mahabali
Onam celebrates the annual return of the beloved Asura king Mahabali, whose reign was considered Kerala's golden age. His kingdom knew no poverty, disease, or dishonesty. The gods, jealous of his popularity, sent Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) to end his rule.
Vamana asked Mahabali for just three paces of land. When granted, he grew to cosmic proportions, covering the earth with one step and the heavens with another. With nowhere left, Mahabali offered his own head for the third step, and was pushed to the netherworld.
Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali permission to visit his people once a year. Onam marks this annual homecoming, when Keralites welcome their beloved king by displaying prosperity and joy.
Experiencing Onam
- Learn to make a pookalam
- Wear traditional kasavu saree/mundu
- Watch Vallam Kali boat races
- Experience the Onasadya feast
- See Pulikali tiger dance performances
- Participate in traditional games
- Visit temples for special pujas
- Shop for Onam gifts and clothing