Onam
Kerala's great harvest festival, celebrating the mythical golden age of King Mahabali.
Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam solar month of Chingam, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling when the moon is in the Thiruvonam (Shravana) nakshatra, usually in late August or September. The festival season begins about ten days earlier with Atham.
When Is Onam?
Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam solar month of Chingam, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling when the moon is in the Thiruvonam (Shravana) nakshatra, usually in late August or September. The festival season begins about ten days earlier with Atham.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Onam celebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali, the beloved demon king who ruled a golden age of prosperity and equality. Lord Vishnu granted him one annual visit to his people. It is the most important festival of Kerala.
How It Is Observed
Pookalam (flower carpet made fresh each of 10 days), grand Onam Sadya feast (24+ dish vegetarian meal on banana leaf), Vallam Kali snake boat races, Kathakali performances.
Sacred Text
“Maveli Nadu Vanidum Kalam, In the time of Mahabali's reign, all people were equal, living joyfully and free from all harm.”
, Kerala oral tradition ↗