Onam is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mostly in the God's Own Country- Kerala. It is one of the most important festivals for the community of Malayalese celebrated in the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam calendar. This correspond with the month of August according to the Hindu calendar. This festival like many others is celebrated by people of all religions. The festival marks the home coming of the king Mahabali and brings out the best of Kerala's culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Rangoli with flowers and colours, Kathakkali Dance and the snake boat race are some of the major features of the festival of Onam.

Onam is a harvest festival and is held with great enthusiasm. The weather at this time seems very pleasant and comforting. The farmers feel very happy looking at the fruit of their hard labour. The whole area of Keral looks green. Children eagerly wait for this colourful festival because they get new clothes, toys and great food. The carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. It is the popularity of the Onam festival that made the Government announce it as a National festival of Kerala in 1961.


Legend - It is said that during the reign of demon king Mahabali, Kerala saw a golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous. The people of his kingdom had deep respect and affection for him. But his egotism was one of the major drawbacks of the King. His this weakness was utilised by the God to bring his reign to an end. However for all his good deeds, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was very attached.

It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

Onam Celebrations -The rich culture of Kerala is at its best during the Onam festival. The ten days festival proves to be like a carnival where everybody seems to enjoy himself/herself. The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

Another important feature of Onam is the Snake Boat Race that takes place on the river Pampa. It proves really an enchanting experience to watch the colourfully decorated boats competing with each other in the boat race.

Onam Date in 2008
12th Sept