Onam (IPA: [oːɳɐm]) is an annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival [4][5] celebrated mostly by the people of Kerala and is traditionally associated with the legend of the benevolent Asura King Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people. [6][7][8] A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state [7][9] and includes a spectrum of. Onam is a 10-day Hindu festival celebrated especially in Kerala.
The festival marks the Malayali New Year and is celebrated in the Malayali month of Chingam, which falls in August and September. The story of Mahabali's defeat by Vishnu's avatar as the dwarf Vamana is the holiday's main origin legend. The festival includes cultural events, worship, and special meals.
Onam is Kerala's most celebrated cultural and harvest festival, deeply rooted in legend and tradition. Celebrated by Malayalis across the world, it marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical ruler under whom Kerala was believed to have flourished in peace, prosperity, and equality. Onam, the national festival of Kerala, is an emotion deeply rooted in the hearts of Malayalees.
Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, usually falling between late August and early September each year, Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and spans ten festive days beginning with Atham and culminating in Thiruvonam 15. Introduction Onam is Kerala's most celebrated and vibrant festival, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and Kerala's agrarian traditions. It is observed with unmatched grandeur and joy by Malayalis across the globe, but especially in Kerala where the spirit of the festival transforms the state into a cultural and spiritual wonderland.
Onam typically falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Discover why Onam is celebrated in Kerala, from the legend of King Mahabali to vibrant flower decorations, traditional feasts, and more. As Onam is a ten-day celebration followed by a two-day post-Onam celebration, it technically makes it a twelve-day-long event in total.
The festival starts with Atham (first day) and culminates with Thiruvonam (tenth day), with a long list of vibrant activities, including boat races, street parades, and tiger dances, observed in between. Experience the Onam festival in Kerala with Pookkalam, boat races, Pulikali, and the grand Onasadya feast, celebrating the state's rich culture and traditions. Onam is Kerala's most prominent cultural festival, celebrated each year with great excitement and a strong sense of tradition.
Onam, Kerala's official state festival, celebrates the start of the harvest season and is celebrated by Malayali communities worldwide. Discover Onam, the vibrant harvest festival. Learn about its meaning, origins, significance, and celebrations.
Dive into the why, where, when, and how of Onam!