This year, the celebrations began on September 6 and will continue till the 15th.
Onam, the grand and vibrant festival of Kerala, marks the beginning of harvest season and the return of the mythical King Mahabali. This festival is a time for community gatherings, cultural expressions, and thanksgiving for a successful harvest, showcasing the southern Indian state's vibrant cultural heritage and unity.
The festival spans ten days, starting with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam, which is the main day of celebration, with the grand Onasadya feast, worship, and festivities.
Presenting some of the key rituals and traditions of Onam...
The vibrant pageantry of the Athachamayam is a scintillating precursor to more Onam festivities in the days to follow. (Photo courtesy: X@KeralaTourism)
Athachamayam | The festival begins with the grand procession of Athachamayam, which commemorates the victory of King Mahabali. The procession features beautifully decorated elephants, folk dances, and musicians, reflecting the cultural diversity of Kerala.
This year, Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer inaugurated the Athachamayam festivities by hoisting the Atham flag. MP Francis George flagged off the procession and various political and cultural leaders participated in the event.
(Photo courtesy: Flickr)
Pookalam | Intricate floral designs made on the ground using fresh flowers and every day, new layers of flowers are added to the Pookalam, welcoming King Mahabali's arrival.
Onasadya | The grand feast, Onasadya, is an integral part of Onam. It consists of a lavish spread of traditional Kerala dishes, served on banana leaves. Onasadya can include up to 26 different items, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and a variety of pickles and sweets like payasam.
(Photo courtesy: X@KeralaTourism)
Vallamkali | Also known as the snake boat race, Vallamkali is one of the most famous attractions during the festival. Long, traditional boats (called Chundan Vallams) race across Kerala’s backwaters, accompanied by rhythmic boat songs.
Onakkodi | As part of the tradition, people wear new clothes called Onakkodi during Onam. It is customary to gift new clothes to family members, especially children.
(Photo courtesy: X@KeralaTourism)
Kummattikkali | Also known as the mask dance, Kummattikali is an Onam tradition where men, in garbs made from grass and dry leaves, dance in return for rice and jaggery.
Kaikottikali | This is a traditional dance form performed by women. Dressed in traditional attire, the dancers move in a circle in sync with traditional music.
(Photo courtesy: X@KeralaTourism)
Pulikali | When tigers roam free on the streets, you can be sure it's Onam! Pulikali, or the tiger dance, which recreates a hunt, is a vibrant art form that’s more than 200 years old. During this men paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beats of drums.
