Onam: Onam
Kerala's Harvest Festival of King Mahabali
Onam by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Onam?
Onam is the most important festival of Kerala, celebrated over 10 days in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). It marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, a benevolent asura king whose reign was a golden era of equality and prosperity. The festival is also a harvest celebration for the Kharif crop. Onam is celebrated by Keralites worldwide regardless of religion, making it both a religious and cultural festival.
When is Onam 2026?
Onam 2026: Thiruvonam (the main day) falls on September 5, 2026 (Saturday). The 10-day Onam festival begins on August 27, 2026 (Atham star day) and culminates on September 5 (Thiruvonam). Atham nakshatra begins the counting: Atham (Aug 27), Chithira, Chothi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, Thiruvonam (Sept 5, main day).
What is Pookalam?
Pookalam is the elaborate flower carpet (rangoli made of flowers) created on the ground outside homes during Onam. Starting on Atham day, a new ring of flowers is added to the Pookalam each day, with the grandest design on Thiruvonam (Day 10). Flowers used include: Thumba (Leucas aspera, white), Mukkutti (yellow), Chethi (ixora, red), Thechi (Ixora coccinea), and various seasonal flowers. The Pookalam is created to welcome King Mahabali's soul, which is believed to visit Kerala during Onam.
What is Onam Sadya?
Onam Sadya is the grand traditional meal served on a banana leaf on Thiruvonam day. It is one of the most elaborate vegetarian feasts in the world. A traditional Onam Sadya has 24-30 dishes including: Parippu curry (lentil), Sambar, Rasam, Kootu curry, Olan (ash gourd), Avial (mixed vegetables in coconut), Kaalan (yam and banana in yogurt), Pachadi (raita), Pickles (mango, lemon), Pappadam, and the essential Payasam (at least 2-3 types of sweet kheer). Rice is served in the center of the leaf.
What is the story of King Mahabali and Onam?
The Onam legend: Mahabali was a generous asura king whose reign in Kerala was so ideal that even the gods were envious. Lord Vishnu, at the request of the gods, incarnated as Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin). He asked Mahabali for three steps of land. When Mahabali agreed, Vamana grew to cosmic size and covered the earth and heaven in two steps. Mahabali, true to his word, offered his head for the third step. Vishnu was so moved by Mahabali's integrity that he gave him the boon to visit his beloved people once a year. That visit is Onam.
What is Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race)?
Vallam Kali is the famous snake boat race held on the backwaters of Kerala during Onam. The most famous is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha (Alleppey), held on the second Saturday of August. Long snake-shaped boats (Chundan Vallam) with up to 100 rowers race in synchronized power. The boats are 100+ feet long and shaped like snakes. The race is accompanied by songs (Vanchipattu) to synchronize rowing. Boat races are held across Kerala's backwaters during the Onam season.
Is Onam a Hindu festival or a cultural festival?
Onam is considered both a cultural and religious festival. While its origins are in Hindu mythology (the story of King Mahabali and Vamana avatar of Vishnu), Onam is celebrated by Keralites of all religions - Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and others - as a state cultural festival. The Kerala government organizes grand Onam celebrations with cultural events, boat races, and exhibitions. The festival is considered an integral part of Kerala's identity and heritage, transcending religious boundaries.
What traditional games are played during Onam?
Onam traditional games (Onam Kali): Tug of war (Vadamvali). Thumpathazham (bamboo pole game). Kombodi (goat fight). Pillikkali (tiger dance performance, where participants paint themselves as tigers). Kummatti (folk art performance with painted masks). Puli Kali (tiger dance in Thrissur). Elephant race and procession. Kaikottikali (women's clapping dance). These games and performances are organized during the Onam season as part of the cultural celebrations.
What is the dress code for Onam?
Traditional Onam dress: Women: Kasavu saree (white saree with golden border, Kerala's traditional dress). Young girls: Pavada (skirt) with dhavani (shawl). Men: Mundu (white dhoti) with white shirt. The color white dominates Onam attire, symbolizing purity and the simplicity of King Mahabali's era of equality. Gold jewelry (particularly payalpali - coin necklaces and traditional Kerala temple jewelry) is worn. Some women also wear the traditional Kerala set saree (half-white, half-gold).