Kerala Shines Bright with Onam Feasts and Traditions

Kerala is vibrant with happiness because families and communities are united to celebrate the grand finale of the ten-day Onam festival, known as Thiruvonam.

This is a favorite harvest festival dedicated to King Mahabali, a legendary king whose fair and successful reign is still fondly remembered. Onam is a colorful and delicious celebration of the spirit and culture of Kerala with its colorful flower designs and mouthwatering feasts.

Onam, the festival based on Hindu mythology, is an annual occasion when the King or Mahabali returns to his subjects. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu himself, in the form of Vamana, took Mahabali to the underworld, but granted him this annual homecoming which is celebrated with great fervor everywhere in Kerala.

The festival takes place between August 26 and September 5 and again launches the Malayalam New Year that is celebrated in the month of Chingam. Houses are adorned with beautiful pookkalam -floral carpets to greet Mahabali and families dress-up in traditional attires such as kasavu saris and mundu. The Onasadya, a flashy vegetarian meal on banana leaf, loaded with food such as avial, thoran, sambar, and sweet payasam is the star of the show. People have been flocking local markets to purchase flowers, bananas and new clothes, which has boosted the festive economy.

The festivities overflow into the streets with fun-filled activities such as Vallamkali (snake boat races) in Alappuzha and the vibrant Pulikali (tiger dance) in Thrissur that attracts people with vitality and vibrancy. Special rituals and performances are done in temples, particularly Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy. The week long celebrations of the state government involve art exhibitions and a spectacular cultural procession in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan summed it up, saying, “Onam is about unity and togetherness, reflecting Kerala’s heart.”

Onam unites communities in rural areas, where people play traditional games, such as Onathallu (a form of martial art) and Kaikottikali (women clap dance). Cultural programs are held in schools and colleges and students take part in pookkalam contests and folk dancing. Keralites living overseas also come home to strengthen family ties and enhance local tourism at the festival.

Onam has also attracted attention towards the environmental aspect of the festival and most households are choosing eco-friendly celebrations. It has gained popularity across the world, with diaspora communities in the Gulf, US, and Europe celebrating Onam and sharing Onasadya and cultural performances.

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X has gone viral on social media with greetings and recipes of Onam, and videos of traditional dances, which increases the reach of the festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in, posting on X: “Happy Onam to all! May this festival bring joy and celebrate Kerala’s rich traditions.” From Kochi’s lively waterfront to Kottayam’s peaceful gatherings, Onam brings people together, crossing all divides and celebrating Kerala’s unique spirit.