Onam is Keralam’s biggest harvest festival, celebrated with flowers, traditional feasts, cultural events and family gatherings. The 10-day festival falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam, usually between August and September, and is closely associated with the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.

In 2026, Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, falls on Wednesday, August 26.

Onam history and legend

According to Hindu mythology, Onam commemorates the return of King Mahabali, a generous ruler whose reign is remembered as a time of prosperity and equality.

Legend has it that Mahabali’s growing influence worried the Gods, who sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu appeared before the king in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and asked for as much land as could be covered in three paces.

Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew into a giant form, covering the Earth with his first step and the sky with his second. With nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana placed his foot on it, sending the king to the underworld.

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Moved by Mahabali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a special boon: he could return once every year to visit his people. Onam is traditionally celebrated as a time to welcome the king back home.

What are the 10 days of Onam?

The traditional celebrations begin with Atham and culminate with Thiruvonam. Each of the 10 days has its own customs and significance.

Day 1 – Atham
The festivities begin with prayers and celebrations, including the colourful Athachamyam procession. Families also begin making Pookalam, the floral designs placed outside homes, adding new layers as the days go by.

Day 2 – Chithira
Homes are cleaned and Pookalam designs are gradually expanded as preparations for Onam continue.

Day 3 – Chodhi
Families traditionally shop for new clothes and gifts, adding to the festive mood.

Day 4 – Visakam
Preparations for the main celebrations gather pace, with households beginning their festival shopping and arrangements.

Day 5 – Anizham
One of Onam’s most famous traditions takes centre stage with Vallamkali, the traditional snake boat races held across Keralam’s backwaters.

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Day 6 – Thriketa
Cultural programmes, community gatherings, music and traditional performances become part of the celebrations.

Day 7 – Moolam
Families create more elaborate Pookalam designs as the main days of Onam draw closer.

Day 8 – Pooradam
Clay figures known as Thrikkakara Appan or Mahabali and Vamana idols are traditionally prepared and placed at the centre of the Pookalam.

Day 9 – Uthradam
Known as First Onam, Uthradam is marked by final preparations. Homes are cleaned, shopping is completed and families get ready for Thiruvonam.

Day 10 – Thiruvonam
The most important day of Onam brings families together for prayers, celebrations and the traditional Onam Sadhya. Pookalams are completed and symbolic idols associated with Mahabali and Vamana are placed as part of the festivities.

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What makes Onam special?

At the heart of Onam is the idea of welcoming Mahabali and celebrating prosperity, togetherness and community. The festival brings together traditions such as Pookalam, Vallamkali, cultural performances and the elaborate Onam Sadhya, making it one of Keralam’s most distinctive celebrations.

The Sadhya is traditionally served on a banana leaf and features a variety of vegetarian dishes, making the festive meal one of the highlights of Thiruvonam.

For many, these traditions are also a way of keeping Kerala’s cultural memories alive and passing them from one generation to the next.