Onam

What is Onam?

Onam is a ten-day festival in Kerala, marked by a series of customs and events. The most visible is the pookkalam, a circular flower carpet arranged on the ground at entrances and temples, made with petals of many colours. Parades, dances, boat races, and feasts are held across the state. People wear traditional dress, and cities are lit up with decorations and fireworks. The festival brings together families and communities, with activities for all ages.

Where does Onam come from?

Onam’s roots lie in Kerala’s Hindu mythology and local history. It is linked to the legend of King Mahabali, a generous ruler who is believed to visit his people each year during Onam. The festival is also seen as a remembrance of the last Chera King. Ancient literature records celebrations on the day of the Thiruvonam star, but the modern festival developed over time and became Kerala’s official state festival in 1961. Today, it is celebrated by Malayalis around the world.

How Onam is made

The festival begins with Atham, when the first small pookkalam is laid using yellow flowers. Each day, more layers and colours are added, and the design grows more elaborate. Women and girls usually create these flower carpets together. Statues of Mahabali and Vamana may be placed at the entrance. The ten days also bring parades, dances, and the famous Vallamkali boat races. The celebrations end with a grand feast, the Onam sadya.

When and where Onam is used

Onam is celebrated by Malayalis in Kerala and abroad, especially in places with large Malayali communities. The festival is a time for family gatherings, charity, and community events. Pookkalam competitions are held in schools and public spaces. The festival is also marked by temple rituals, traditional dances, and public parades. The Onam sadya feast is a highlight, bringing people together to share a meal served on banana leaves.

Forms of Onam

While Onam’s core customs are shared, local traditions vary. In Thrissur, Pulikali (tiger dance) is a major attraction. The Athachamayam parade in Tripunithura features decorated elephants and floats. Malayali communities in Singapore hold their own boat races. The flowers used in pookkalam have expanded from local varieties to include many types, reflecting changing times and wider availability.

What Onam means

Onam is Kerala’s most important festival and a symbol of unity for Malayalis. It is officially recognised as the state festival and is celebrated by people of all backgrounds. The festival honours King Mahabali’s spirit of generosity and equality. Onam is also a time for traditional arts, music, and dance, and is featured in literature and public life. The pookkalam and sadya have become cultural icons of Kerala.

The flowers of Onam

JasmineA group of fragrant shrubs and vines with white or yellow star-shaped flowersSacred lotusThe pink aquatic flower sacred in Asia and grown for food, worship and beautyMarigoldA group of bright annual and perennial flowers known worldwide as marigoldsLotusAquatic plants with large, round leaves and striking flowers called lotusCalendulaGolden daisy-like flowers used in food, dye, and ritualsCommon bird's-foot trefoilA yellow pea-flowered wild plant found in grasslands and fields

Where to see Onam

🇮🇳 Kochi · Aug to SepMake a pookalam at OnamFor the ten days of Onam, Kerala lays flower carpets at its doorsteps. Visitors can join in.

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Onam

Good reading and sources

• Onam on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data