Onam

Malayalam

Also known as: Thiruvonam, Onam Festival

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2026 Malayalam Date

Onam

About Onam

Onam is the most important and vibrant festival of Kerala, celebrated over ten days in the month of Chingam (August-September) to honour the legendary King Mahabali.

The festival marks the annual homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent asura ruler whose reign was a golden age of prosperity, equality, and happiness.

Elaborate flower carpets (pookkalam), traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Pulikali, boat races (Vallam Kali), and the grand Onam Sadya feast define the celebrations.

Onam transcends religious boundaries, with people of all faiths in Kerala coming together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage and the spirit of unity.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

The ten-day festival is primarily celebratory with feasting and cultural performances.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Draw the pookkalam (flower carpet) each day from Atham to Thiruvonam.
Prepare the grand Onam Sadya feast on Thiruvonam.
Watch or participate in Vallam Kali (boat races) and Pulikali (tiger dance).
Visit temples and offer prayers for the blessings of King Mahabali.

Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The ten days are marked by celebration, feasting, and cultural performances.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Flowers for pookkalamBanana leaves for SadyaTraditional Kerala dishes (over 26 items)Pumpkin and other vegetablesRice and coconut

Puja Procedure:

Draw the pookkalam (flower carpet) with fresh flowers each day.
Prepare the grand Onam Sadya with over 26 traditional dishes.
Serve the Sadya on banana leaves in the traditional manner.
Share the feast with family, friends, and neighbours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many days is Onam celebrated?

Onam is celebrated over ten days, with the main celebration on Thiruvonam (the tenth day). Each day has its own rituals.

Q: What is the Onam Sadya?

Onam Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring over 26 traditional Kerala dishes including sambar, avial, payasam, and banana chips.

Q: Who was King Mahabali?

King Mahabali was a benevolent asura ruler whose reign was a golden age of prosperity and equality. Onam celebrates his annual homecoming.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.