Onam - Kerala's Grand Harvest Festival of Joy and Tradition

10Days of celebration

200Railway stations serving Kerala

Pookalam flower designs

Thiruvathirakali dance

Pulikali tiger dance

Onasadya feast

Vallamkali boat races

Kummattikali games

Thripunithura

Kollam

Alappuzha

Fort Kochi

Ernakulam

The history of Onam dates back to the Sangam Period. It's associated with King Mahabali, known for his generosity and wisdom. Under his rule, Kerala saw a golden era of equality and prosperity. However, the Gods grew jealous and sought Lord Vishnu's help. Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf Brahmin and asked Mahabali for three steps of land. Mahabali agreed, but Vishnu revealed his true form and covered the earth and heaven in two steps. Impressed by Mahabali's humility, Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his kingdom every year. Thus, Onam celebrates Mahabali's return.

The Athachamayam Festival in Thripunithura kicks off the 10-day Onam celebration. Atham is the first day, and Thiruvonam, the tenth, is the most special. During Onam, Kerala comes alive with vibrant Pookalam flower designs, joyful songs, elegant Thiruvathirakali dances, colourful Pulikali performances, and delicious Onasadya feasts. The people of Kerala believe that on the Thiruvonam day, King Mahabali returns to see his subjects.

Specialty of Festival:

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala which commemorates the homecoming of their legendary King Mahabali.

Month of Festival:

Onam is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam which usually falls between August and September.

How to Reach?

By Air :

Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Karipur and Kannur international airports.

By Train :

~200 stations connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

By Road :

Highways linking Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh; KSRTC and private buses.

By Water :

Port of Kochi, Vizhinjam Seaport; ferries and houseboats from Kollam, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.

Cultural Heritage

Authentic Kerala traditions across generations.

Community Unity

Celebrations unite all communities.

Harvest Celebration

Marks the end of monsoon with prosperity rituals.

When is Onam celebrated?

Onam is celebrated every year during the Malayalam month of Chingam which usually falls between August and September.

What is the significance of the Onam Festival?

The significance of the Onam Festival lies in its celebration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler, and the harvest festival marking the end of the monsoon season. It symbolizes unity, prosperity, and the spirit of Kerala's cultural heritage.

What are the main attractions of the Onam festival?

The main attractions of the Onam festival include the colourful floral designs (Pookalam), grand feast (Onam Sadya), Thiruvathirakali, tiger dance (Pulikali), Kummattikali, boat races (Vallamkali), traditional games, processions, and shopping fairs.