Kochi: The grand Onam festivities are around the corner. Onam is the most celebrated cultural festival in Kerala. ‘Atham’ falls on August 30 this year and 'Thiruvonam' falls on the tenth day following this, September 8.

Keralites will design ‘Pookkalam’ (flower carpets) in front of their houses to welcome Onam during these 10 days. Onam is usually celebrated in the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’.