Onam in Keralam: A Celebration of Culture, Colors & Joy
- Gold Plating Art Studio LLP
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
Onam is the biggest and most loved festival of Kerala, India. It is a harvest festival that brings people together, no matter their religion or background. The festival usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which comes in August or September. Onam is not just one day. It is celebrated for ten days, with the last four days being the most important.
The Story Behind Onam
Onam is connected to a beautiful legend about King Mahabali. According to the story, Mahabali was a kind and generous king who ruled Kerala during a golden age. Under his rule, there was no poverty, no lies, and everyone was equal and happy. The gods felt threatened by Mahabali's growing popularity. Lord Vishnu took the form of a small boy called Vamana and visited the king. Vamana asked for a small piece of land as much as he could cover in three steps. Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew huge in size. With his first step, he covered the earth. With his second step, he covered the sky. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head, since there was nothing left to give. Pleased with the king's honesty and generosity, Vishnu granted him a wish. Mahabali asked to visit his people once every year. Onam celebrates this yearly homecoming of King Mahabali. People decorate their homes to welcome him back, believing he checks on his kingdom to see if his people are still living happily.
What is the main attraction during Celebration of Onam?
Tripunithura Athachamayam
This day marks the start of Onam, and people celebrate it with a lot of joy. A big parade takes place, and it feels like watching a royal event from the past. Elephants dressed in colourful decorations walk through the streets, along with bright floats, musicians, folk dancers, and drummers. You will want to take photos, but the scene is so beautiful that you won't want to stop watching! The best place to see this celebration is Tripunithura, a town near Kochi, where the famous Athachamayam procession fills the streets every year.
Pookalam (Flowers Rangoli)
Every morning during Onam, families create beautiful flower carpets called Pookalam in front of their homes. These are made using fresh flowers arranged in colorful patterns. The design grows bigger and more detailed each day, reaching its peak on Thiruvonam, the main day of the festival.
Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race)
One of the most exciting parts of Onam is the snake boat race, held in the backwaters of Kerala. Long, decorated boats, rowed by dozens of people, race against each other while crowds cheer from the banks. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha is the most famous of these races.
Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
In Thrissur, performers paint their bodies like tigers and dance through the streets to the beat of drums. This colorful and energetic show is a major attraction during Onam and draws large crowds every year.
Onam Saree – Kerala's Signature Style
During Onam, women dress up in a special saree called the Onam Saree or Kasavu Saree. It is off-white or cream in colour with a shiny golden border. This golden border is called "kasavu." The saree looks simple but very elegant and represents Kerala's rich tradition. Many women pair it with traditional gold jewellery and flowers in their hair to complete the festive look. Wearing this saree during Onam is a way of celebrating Kerala's culture with pride and beauty.
Onam Sadhya (The Grand Feast)
No Onam celebration is complete without the Onam Sadhya, a huge vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It usually has more than 20 dishes, including sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi, and payasam for dessert. Families and friends sit together on the floor and enjoy this meal, which is considered one of the highlights of the festival.
Onam Traditional Games
Onam also includes fun traditional games like Tug of War, known as Vadam Vali. Along with games, there are beautiful cultural performances too. One of the most loved is Kaikottikali, a graceful clap dance performed by women. They stand in a circle, usually around the Pookalam, and clap their hands while singing and dancing together. It is a lovely sight that adds charm and togetherness to the Onam celebrations.
What to See in Kerala During Onam
Thrissur – Best known for the Pulikali tiger dance performances.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) – Watch the thrilling snake boat races in the backwaters.
Kochi – Enjoy cultural programs, markets, and Onam shopping festivals across the city.
Thiruvananthapuram – The capital city hosts grand Onam celebrations with cultural events and exhibitions.
Athirappilly Falls – A great nature spot to visit if you want to combine sightseeing with the festival mood, as Kerala's landscape looks especially lush during this season.
Why Onam is Special
Onam is more than just rituals and food. It is a symbol of unity, kindness, and equality values connected to King Mahabali's rule. It brings families back home, connects people to their roots, and fills the state with color, music, and joy. Whether you are watching a boat race, tasting the Sadya, or admiring a Pookalam, Onam offers a true glimpse into the heart of Kerala's culture.
FAQs
Why is Onam celebrated in Kerala?
Onam celebrates the legendary return of King Mahabali and is also associated with prosperity, harvest, unity, and happiness.
Who is King Mahabali in the Onam story?
King Mahabali is a legendary and beloved ruler whose annual return to Kerala is traditionally celebrated during Onam.
What is the connection between Vamana and Mahabali?
The Onam legend connects King Mahabali with Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appeared to test the king's generosity.
How many days is Onam celebrated?
Onam traditionally spans ten days, beginning with Atham and reaching its grand celebration on Thiruvonam.
What is Thiruvonam?
Thiruvonam is the most important day of the Onam festival and is celebrated with elaborate feasts, Pookalam, prayers, and family gatherings.
What is Pookalam during Onam?
Pookalam is a colorful floral decoration created on the floor using fresh flowers, traditionally placed in front of homes during Onam.
What is Onam Sadhya?
Onam Sadhya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring rice, curries, vegetables, pickles, sweets, and other Kerala dishes.
What is Vallamkali during Onam?
Vallamkali is Kerala’s famous snake boat race, where long traditional boats compete in synchronized rowing accompanied by songs and cheers.
What is Pulikali?
Pulikali is a colorful folk performance in which artists paint themselves like tigers and dance to traditional rhythms during the Onam celebrations.
What is Vadam Vali in Onam?
Vadam Vali is a traditional tug-of-war game enjoyed during Onam, representing teamwork, strength, and community spirit.
What is Kaikottikali?
Kaikottikali is a traditional Kerala group dance performed mainly by women, often accompanied by rhythmic clapping and traditional songs.
What does a Vamana bronze idol represent?
A Vamana bronze idol represents Lord Vishnu's divine incarnation and the importance of humility, righteousness, and devotion.
Why are flowers important during Onam?
Flowers are an important part of Onam because they are used to create beautiful Pookalam designs and add color and festive beauty to homes.
What foods are served during Onam Sadhya?
Onam Sadhya may include rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, payasam, banana, pickles, and several other traditional Kerala dishes.
What are traditional Onam games?
Traditional Onam games include Vadam Vali, Uriyadi, ball games, boat races, and other community activities enjoyed during the festival.
How do families celebrate Onam at home?
Families decorate their homes with Pookalam, prepare Onam Sadya, wear traditional clothes, exchange greetings, and spend time together.
Why is Onam important to Kerala's culture?
Onam brings Kerala's history, folklore, food, traditional arts, games, and community values together, making it one of the state's most important cultural celebrations.
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