Onam is Kerala’s most celebrated cultural and harvest festival, deeply rooted in legend and tradition. Celebrated by Malayalis across the world, it marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical ruler under whom Kerala was believed to have flourished in peace, prosperity, and equality.
Blending Hindu mythology, agrarian customs, folk dances, and grand feasts, Onam is a festival where culture meets community, and tradition meets celebration.
Did you know? Onam is one of the few Indian festivals celebrated irrespective of religion or caste — a true symbol of Kerala’s inclusive spirit.
When is Onam Celebrated?
Onam takes place during Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar (typically August–September). The main day of celebration is called Thiruvonam.
🗓️ Onam 2025 Dates:
August 26 to September 5, 2025
Why is Onam Celebrated?
According to legend, King Mahabali, a kind and just ruler, was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu (in Vamana avatar). Moved by his devotion and love for his people, Vishnu granted him permission to return to Kerala once a year — which became Onam.
🕊️ Onam is a celebration of the return of righteousness, unity, and abundance.
How is Onam Celebrated?
Onam is a 10-day celebration full of rituals, food, art, music, and tradition. Each day carries symbolic meaning, but it’s the cultural elements that make it so unforgettable.
Pookalam – The Floral Carpet
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- Intricate floral rangoli created on the ground using fresh seasonal flowers.
- Symbolizes a grand welcome to King Mahabali.
- Held in homes, schools, and community spaces.
Onam Sadhya – The Grand Feast
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- A 26+ item vegetarian meal served on banana leaves.
- Includes avial, olan, sambar, thoran, pachadi, banana chips, and payasam (dessert).
- Served traditionally while sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Pulikali – The Tiger Dance
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- Vibrant street performance where men paint themselves as tigers.
- Held mainly in Thrissur, with drumbeats and dance parades.
- A crowd-pulling attraction for photographers and tourists.
Vallam Kali – Snake Boat Races
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- Iconic longboat races with synchronized rowing by 100+ oarsmen.
- Best seen at the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha or Aranmula Uthrattathi.
- A visual and cultural highlight of Onam celebrations.
Onakkodi – New Clothes & Home Decor
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- Wearing traditional attire (men: mundu, women: Kasavu saree).
- Homes are decorated with lamps, banana leaves, and flower garlands.
- Gifts and clothes are exchanged among families.
Traditional Onam Arts & Performances
- Kathakali – Classical dance-drama
- Thiruvathirakali – Women’s group dance around a lamp
- Kummattikali – Masked street performances
- Folk Music – Accompanied by chenda drums and rhythmic chants
These art forms reflect the soul of Kerala’s heritage, revived and relived during Onam
Where to Experience Onam in Kerala (As a Tourist)
📍 Top Destinations for Onam Travel:
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Thrissur | Pulikali, Pookalam contests |
| Alappuzha | Snake boat races, backwater festivities |
| Kochi | Cultural fests, shopping, Onam sales |
| Trivandrum | State-sponsored programs and temple events |
| Kumarakom | Homestays, eco-tourism, authentic Onam rituals |
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a local homestay to experience rituals, cooking, and celebrations like a true Malayali family.
Planning Your Onam Festival Trip to Kerala
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airports – Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV)
- By Train: Connected to major cities across India
- By Road: Scenic drives through Kerala’s green countryside
Where to Stay:
- Boutique homestays for authenticity
- Houseboats in Alleppey
- Heritage resorts near cultural hotspots
What to Book Early:
- Accommodation (high demand in September)
- Boat race tickets
- Local tours or cooking classes
Must-Capture Onam Moments
- Pookalam designs at sunrise
- Pulikali dancers in vibrant body paint
- Banana leaf Sadhya meals being served
- Snake boats cutting through Kerala’s backwaters
- Traditional Kasavu sarees & mundus at temples
Why Onam Matters (Culturally & Emotionally)
- Celebrates harvest and gratitude
- Symbolizes peace, equality & prosperity
- Revives centuries-old art forms and customs
- Embraces community, inclusiveness, and togetherness
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Experience Onam
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a food lover — Onam offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a festival that is both deeply spiritual and joyously public.
Travel to Kerala during Onam, and you won’t just watch a festival – you’ll feel it.
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