The Onam Festival is Kerala’s most celebrated harvest festival. It marks the end of the monsoon and the arrival of a season of prosperity. The festival honors the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to return each year to visit his people.
More than just a seasonal event, Onam represents Kerala’s cultural identity. It brings together communities through food, dance, music, games, and rituals. From vibrant floral designs to the grand Onam Sadhya feast, every tradition reflects unity and gratitude.
How Many Days is Onam Festival Celebrated?
Onam is celebrated for ten days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam. Each day carries its own significance:
- Atham: The festival begins with the first floral carpet (Pookkalam).
- Chithira & Chodhi: Homes are cleaned and decorated, shopping for new clothes begins.
- Vishakam: Preparations for the Onam Sadhya feast start.
- Anizham: Famous for snake boat races called Vallam Kali.
- Thriketa & Moolam: Families gather and cultural programs begin.
- Pooradam: Clay figures of Onathappan are placed in the Pookkalam.
- Uthradam: Considered the day King Mahabali arrives.
- Thiruvonam: The most important day, with feasts, prayers, and cultural performances.
The ten-day celebration builds anticipation and ends with joy, food, and togetherness.
How is Onam Festival Celebrated in Kerala? 
Celebrations in Kerala combine rituals, art, and community activities:
- Pookkalam: Intricate floral carpets created at homes and public places.
- Onam Sadhya: A grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring dishes like avial, sambar, and payasam.
- Traditional Dances: Thiruvathira and Pulikali (tiger dance) showcase Kerala’s artistic traditions.
- Boat Races: Vallam Kali, the snake boat races, fill rivers with excitement and teamwork.
- Cultural Programs: Performances of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam highlight Kerala’s classical art forms.
These traditions make Onam not just a festival but a living expression of Kerala’s cultural pride.
Onam – Which God’s Festival is It?
Onam is dedicated to the memory of King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura king. According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, tested Mahabali’s humility and granted him permission to return once a year.
This return is celebrated as Onam. Mahabali symbolizes equality, generosity, and prosperity, and his story is central to the festival’s meaning. While Vishnu plays a key role in the legend, the festival itself is a tribute to Mahabali’s reign — remembered as Kerala’s golden age.
Cultural Significance of Onam
Onam is more than just rituals. It preserves Kerala’s heritage and teaches values of unity, gratitude, and harmony.
- Cultural Pride: Floral art, folk dances, and traditional attire showcase Kerala’s identity.
- Social Unity: The Sadhya meal is served to all, breaking barriers of class or community.
- Agricultural Importance: As a harvest festival, it thanks nature and farmers for abundance.
This mix of myth, agriculture, and art makes Onam a truly unique cultural celebration.
FAQ
Q1. What is Onam Sadhya?
Onam Sadhya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. It includes more than 20 dishes like sambar, avial, and payasam, symbolizing Kerala’s agricultural richness.
Q2. Why is King Mahabali important in Onam?
King Mahabali was a generous ruler loved by his people. Onam celebrates his annual return, reminding people of equality and prosperity.
Q3. Where can I see Onam celebrations in Kerala?
Thrissur is famous for its Athachamayam procession, while Alleppey hosts thrilling snake boat races. Both places showcase the best of Onam.
Q4. How long does Onam last?
Onam lasts for ten days, with the final day, Thiruvonam, being the most significant.
