- Categories:
- Religious
- Tags:
- HinduIndian Holidays
- Where:
- India
- Date change rule:
- 10 days before Thiru Onam (late August–mid-September)
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌾
Onam, the vibrant harvest festival of Kerala, India, celebrates the annual return of the mythical King Mahabali every late August or early September. Join in the ten-day festivities with boat races, tiger dances, and the grand Onasadya feast. Discover the rich traditions and cultural pride of the Malayali people.
Want to sponsor Onam? Learn how
Expected Onam Deals
For Onam, the focus shifts from commercial deals to cultural appreciation and community engagement. Local Indian grocery stores and specialty food retailers often feature ingredients for Onasadya, the traditional nine-course vegetarian feast. Cultural organizations and community centers host events like traditional dances, music performances, and Pookalam (flower carpet) competitions. Online, look for independent artisans selling traditional Kerala attire, jewelry, and handicrafts. Restaurants specializing in South Indian cuisine may offer special Onasadya thalis for dine-in or takeout. We will update this page with confirmed local events and cultural highlights as August 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Onam
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Onam. Share vibrant photos of Pookalam (flower carpets), traditional attire, and Onasadya feasts.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Onam. Film short videos showcasing Pulikali (tiger dances), boat races, or Onasadya preparation.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Onam. Share community event details, cultural stories, and connect with the Malayali diaspora.
Onam Hero
King Mahabali
History of Onam
Onam is a 10-day festival that is observed in Hindu culture. It is a harvest festival that welcomes the mythical King Mahabali. Mahabali was a demon but renowned for his generosity and good heart. His popularity incited jealousy in the Gods, so they asked Lord Vishnu to help them. As Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu, the latter aided the Gods in their cause but did not initiate a battle with Mahabali.
Lord Vishnu transfigured into a Brahmin dwarf named Vamana, and headed to Mahabali’s kingdoms with a request to have the right over a property measuring ‘three paces.’ Mahabali obliged and fulfilled Vamana’s wish.
The 10 days of Onam are Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam. Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival.
Several large events mark the festival. ‘Pookkalam’ is the tradition of designing flowers using colored powder in front of houses. ‘Onakalikal’ refers to all the games that are played throughout the festival. These include ‘Thala Panthu Kali’ with a ball, ‘Ambeyyal’ or archery, and the ‘Vallamkali’ boat race, in which 100 boatmen compete.
Women participate in traditional folk dances, which are among the biggest attractions of the festival. The dances and synchronized performances are in honor of King Mahabali and his arrival. The elephant procession is the peak of the festival, with decorated elephants parading and dancing with people at the place of the procession.
Onam timeline
The earliest recorded reference to Onam is in the Tamil poem “Maturaikkāñci.”
Pathikas and Pallads by Periyazharwar describe Onam celebrations and offerings to Lord Vishnu.
Inscription engravings in the Thrikkakara Temple are dedicated to Vamana — the disguise of Vishnu.
An inscription in one of the largest Hindu temples — Tiruvalla Temple, mentions Onam.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Onam
Local businesses can honor Onam by offering special menus featuring traditional Kerala cuisine, especially the elaborate Onasadya feast, at Indian restaurants. Grocery stores can create dedicated displays for Onam essentials like fresh vegetables, spices, and traditional snacks. Cultural centers and community organizations can host Pookalam (flower carpet) competitions, traditional dance performances, and storytelling sessions about King Mahabali, inviting local families to participate and share their heritage.
Traditions
Women create carpets of colorful flowers in front of their homes. These designs are called Pookalam. Decorating homes, trays prepared for worship, and wearing special outfits for the occasion are part of the festival traditions. The new clothes worn on Onam are called ‘onakkodi,’ and are an important aspect of the holiday.
The festival has many sub-events that take place; Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onatthappan, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Athachamayam, and more. Plays and dances are performed at these events — Thiruvathirakali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, and Kathakali. The men are dressed up as tigers, and many of these unique performances are witnessed on public events or streets.
The Onasadya meal is prepared on the most important day of the festival, Thiruvonam. Delicacies are cooked and served on large banana leaves. The nine-course meal comprises dishes such as rasam, sambar, rice, and more. Some restaurants offer as many as 30 dishes on their menu for Osandya.
Onam FAQs
When is Onam?
Onam 2026 falls on Sunday, August 16, marking the main day of the ten-day harvest festival in Kerala, India.
What is Onasadya?
Onasadya is the elaborate nine-course vegetarian meal traditionally served on the final day of Onam, featuring a variety of dishes on a banana leaf.
How many people celebrate Onam?
Onam is primarily celebrated by approximately 35 million people in Kerala, India, and by the global Malayali diaspora.
What is the legend behind Onam?
Onam celebrates the annual homecoming of mythical King Mahabali, whose benevolent reign brought a golden era of prosperity and equality to Kerala.
How To Celebrate Onam
Visit the temples
In the early morning of the first day of Onam, head to a temple. Offer prayers for King Mahabali’s arrival and seek blessings.
Participate in a procession
If you live near Thrippunithura, join the large procession that will be taking place. Follow the tradition of leaving food or small items upon reaching your destination. Thrippunithura is significant and many believe that it is close to where the demon king left for the other world.
Decorate your home
Go all out to make your space a good zone for the King’s arrival. Tidy and clean your home, decorate as elaborately as you can, and create colorful Pookalam flower designs outside your home.
5 Facts About Onam
Onam is secular
The festival is secular, so people from all walks of life can join in.
The food is lavish
The food prepared during the ten days of Onam is elaborate and there is a lot of variety.
Gifts are part of the tradition
It is common to gift gold coins, silver coins, clothes, accessories, or gadgets to friends and family.
Red statues
Three small figurines are formed with red sand and placed outside homes.
It is a homecoming festival
Onam is a homecoming festival, welcoming the Demon King Mahabali.
Why We Love Onam
Grand festivities
Onam takes place over 10 days and the events that take place are full of life and color. We’d love to be there!
It is for everyone
Onam is Hindu-based but not limited to Hindu castes. People from all communities can participate and we love the inclusivity!
It is rich in culture and tradition
Onam is one of the many beautiful festivals that take place in Asia. It is a representation of the rich culture of India and its heritage.
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