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When you think of Kerala, colourful images of serene backwaters, lush greenery, and aromatic spices may come to mind. But in the month of August or September, the state transforms into a vibrant cultural hub with its most iconic festival, Onam.
The Onam festival in Kerala is a warm embrace of the traditions, hospitality, and joy of the state. From grand feasts and flower carpets to boat races and folk dances, Onam is a spectacular experience that immerses you in the soul of this beautiful state.
So, let us dive into the cultural travel experience of this festival.
Why is Onam Celebrated in Kerala?
Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala and is celebrated every year in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August – September). It is both a harvest festival and a cultural celebration from the legend of King Mahabali, also called Maveli.
According to the legend, Mahabali was a kind and generous ruler under whom Kerala saw a golden age. People lived in peace, equality, and happiness. Feeling jealous of his popularity, the gods asked Lord Vishnu to intervene. Lord Vishnu came as Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and asked Mahabali for three pieces of land. With two steps, Vamana covered the heaven and the earth, and Mahabali offered his head for the third step.
Pleased by his sacrifice, Lord Vishnu allowed Mahabali to visit Kerala once a year. This homecoming is celebrated as Kerala’s Onam, with ten days of feasts, flower carpets, dances, and joy across the state, making it a highlight of any Kerala tour itinerary.
When is Onam in Kerala Celebrated?
Onam is celebrated every year in Kerala during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually falls in August or September. The festival lasts for 10 days, starting with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam, the most important day.
The 10 Days of Onam
The Onam festivals of Kerala are celebrated for 10 days, with each day having its own beauty and traditions:
Day 1 – Atham
Atham marks the start of the festival with the grand Athachamayam procession in Kochi. Families create the first simple Pookkalam using yellow flowers. It symbolises preparations for King Mahabali’s visit and sets the festive mood across Kerala.
Day 2 – Chithira
On Chithira, more layers of flowers are added to the Pookkalam. People clean their homes, decorate entrances, and visit nearby temples. This day continues the joyful buildup to the Onam festival in Kerala among friends, neighbours, and families.
Day 3 – Chodhi
Chodhi is a shopping day, when families buy new clothes called Onakkodi. Women wear Kasavu dresses, men wear mundu, and children dress in festive attire. Pookkalam designs grow more detailed, which shows the colourful spirit of the festive celebrations.
Day 4 – Vishakam
Vishakam is known as the most auspicious day to start preparing for the Onasadya feast. Families visit lively markets to buy fresh vegetables, spices, and other ingredients for the feast.
Day 5 – Anizham
Anizham is famous for the thrilling Vallamkali, or snake boat race, on the Pamba River. Crowds gather to cheer rowers in longboats. This event is a highlight of the Kerala Onam, as it unites villages in friendly competition.
Day 6 – Thriketa
Thriketa is when families visit their ancestral homes, where relatives share gifts, stories, and laughter to strengthen bonds. The Pookkalam becomes more vibrant with fresh blooms and shows that this festival is a heartwarming celebration for all ages.
Day 7 – Moolam
On Moolam, temples begin serving shorter versions of the Onasadya. Folk arts like Pulikali and Kaikottikali fill streets with music and colour. It is a lively day that travellers can enjoy when exploring Kerala tour packages for family during Onam.
Day 8 – Pooradam
Pooradam is when clay idols of Mahabali and Vamana, called Onathappan, are placed at the Pookkalam’s centre. This ritual invites Mahabali into each home, which adds spiritual depth to the vibrant Onam festival celebrated across the state.
Day 9 – Uthradam
Also called First Onam, Uthradam is believed to be the day Mahabali arrives in Kerala. Families buy fresh produce, clean homes, and make final preparations.
Day 10 – Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival as the people celebrate the blessings of King Mahabali. Each of the family members wears new clothes, completes their Pookkalam, and enjoys the grand Onasadya together.
What Makes the Onam Festival in Kerala Special?
1. Attachamayam
Attachamayam marks the grand start of the Onam festival. Held in Thripunithura, Kochi, it features caparisoned elephants, drum beats, colourful floats, and folk dances.
2. Onam Sadya
The Onam Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf during the Onam festival. It includes rice, sambar, avial, olan, pickles, pappadam, and sweet payasam. With around 29 dishes, it showcases the tradition, generosity, and festive spirit of Kerala.
3. Pookkalam
Pookkalam is a colourful floral carpet made with fresh flowers during the festival. Women arrange intricate patterns at home entrances and temples, often decorated with lamps. It is similar to Rangoli and showcases creativity, patience, and Kerala’s love for beauty.
4. Vallam Kali
Vallam Kali, the famous snake boat race, is a thrilling highlight of Kerala’s Onam. Longboats glide across the Pampa River in Alappuzha, powered by synchronised paddlers. The crowd cheers with Vanchipaatu songs, thus making it a spectacular display of tradition, teamwork, and festive excitement.
5. Pulikali
Pulikali, which means “tiger play,” is a lively street performance during the festival. The artists paint themselves as tigers and hunters in bright colours and dance to drum beats. This playful event, mainly in Thrissur, draws huge crowds and fills the streets with fun and excitement.
6. Dance Performances
The traditional dance performances are a colourful highlight of the Onam festival in Kerala. Women perform Thiruvathirakali around a lamp while singing songs of Shiva and Parvati. Kathakali tells epic tales with gestures, while Kummattikali uses vibrant masks. Watching these performances are among the must try activities in Kerala during the festive season.
Where to Experience Onam in Kerala?
The Onam festival is celebrated in almost every town of Kerala, but some places make the experience memorable. Some of the best places to enjoy the festivities are:
- Trivandrum- Streets sparkle with lights, cultural shows fill the air, and traditional delicacies make the Onam festivals of Kerala special.
- Palakkad- Palakkad is famous for Onathallu, a thrilling wrestling sport held after Sadya, where contestants fight fiercely to win.
- Thrissur- Swaraj Round in Thrissur hosts Pulikali, where men painted as tigers dance to traditional percussion for a vibrant and unique celebration.
- Alleppey- Experience Onam on a houseboat while gliding through serene backwaters and enjoying traditional Sadya in Kerala villages on your Kerala honeymoon packages.
- Ernakulam- Thrippunithura in Ernakulam comes alive with the grand Athachamayam procession, with folk art, colourful floats, and music.
- Kannur- Witness Theyyam and Onapottan (ancient worship traditions performed with devotion) to enjoy the authentic cultural experiences during Onam.
Conclusion
The most majestic festival of Kerala, Onam, indeed is a grand cultural experience that fills your heart with joy and community spirit. From the floral beauty of Pookkalam to the excitement of Vallam Kali, every moment reflects the rich heritage of the state. It allows you to join the crowds in Thrissur for Pulikali, witness the grandeur of Athachamayam in Thrippunithura, or savour a traditional Sadya in a serene village.
So, what are you waiting for? Experience the beauty of this festival on your Kerala tour packages.