When Kerala celebrates Onam, the entire state transforms into a colourful canvas of flowers, flavours, rituals, and stories that connect the past to the present.

The 10-day festival is more than just a harvest celebration, it is a reminder of Kerala’s cultural richness, the devotion to its legendary king Mahabali, and the joy of coming together with family and community.

When is Onam celebrated?

Onam traditionally lasts for 10 days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam, the most important day of the festival. In 2025, the celebrations began on 26 August with Atham, and Thiruvonam marks the grand finale on September 5. It is believed that on this day, King Mahabali returns from the netherworld to visit his people, a belief that gives Onam its emotional core.

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The legend of King Mahabali

According to Hindu scriptures, King Mahabali was one of the greatest rulers of Kerala. He was a generous king who ensured peace, prosperity, and happiness for his people. His popularity, however, caused envy among the deities, who wanted him removed from power.

Lord Vishnu then took the form of Vamana, a young Brahmin, to test Mahabali’s devotion. Vamana asked the king for three feet of land. Mahabali agreed, but in two steps, Vamana covered the heavens and the earth. For the third step, the king humbly offered his own head. Touched by his selflessness, Lord Vishnu blessed him with the chance to visit Kerala once every year. It is this return of Mahabali that Onam commemorates.

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Representative Image | Photo: Canva

How Keralites celebrate Onam

Onam in Kerala is a blend of devotion, art, and festivity. Homes are decorated with pookalam, intricate floral rangoli designs and vibrant flowers brighten courtyards and streets.

Families reunite, with even those living outside the state travelling back home to be part of the celebrations.

Communities organise cultural events such as boat races, dance performances, music competitions, and traditional games, adding a spirit of excitement to the season. 

The heart of Onam: The Onam Sadya

No Onam is complete without the Onam Sadya, the traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala. What makes it unique is not just the food, but also the way it is served on a fresh banana leaf.

The larger side of the leaf is placed to the right, and the smaller, pointed side to the left, in keeping with long-held cultural customs in South India.

A typical Sadya includes a grand spread of dishes:

Snacks: crispy banana chips, jaggery-coated banana chips (Sharkkara Upperi), ripe bananas (Pazham), and crunchy pappadam.

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Main dishes: aviyal, thoran, kichadi, pachadi, olan, koottukari, kalan, sambar, rasam, inji puli, pickles, and boiled rice.

Desserts: traditionally two types of payasam are served; Parippu Pradhaman and Paal Payasam.

The Sadya is not just about taste, it is about community, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

For Keralites, Onam is more than a festival. It is a time when family bonds are renewed, traditions are honoured, and the memory of King Mahabali is kept alive.