Onam, Kerala’s most awaited festival, is a 10-day harvest celebration filled with culture, tradition, and community spirit. This year, Onam began on Attam, August 26, and will conclude on Thiruvonam, September 5. The festival commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali and unites Malayalis across the globe with food, games, rituals, and vibrant traditions.
During these ten days, houses are thoroughly cleaned and courtyards are coated with a paste of cow dung before being decorated with intricate floral designs called pookalams. These colourful patterns welcome prosperity and joy. Families and communities gather to celebrate together, strengthening bonds and passing traditions across generations.
Women usually wear the elegant kasavu saree, while men don the traditional mundu, symbolizing Kerala’s heritage. Throughout the days, various rituals and activities are organized. Vadamvali, the tug-of-war, is one of the most enjoyed competitions that involves men, women, and children participating enthusiastically. Uriyadi, a thrilling sport where blindfolded participants try to break a hanging pot, adds another layer of excitement.
Rituals, Dance, Games and Feast
Cultural performances are an integral part of Onam. Pulikali, also known as the tiger dance, is a must-watch street performance where men and women paint themselves as tigers and dance energetically to traditional beats. Another important highlight is Kaikottikali or Thiruvathirakali, a graceful group dance performed by women dressed in matching kasavu sarees, circling a lamp and moving in synchrony to devotional songs.
Snake boat races, or Vallam Kali, are a spectacular sight during Onam, especially in Alappuzha and nearby districts. Dozens of skilled oarsmen row the majestic snake boats in rhythm to traditional boat songs called vanchipaatu, creating a breathtaking experience for spectators. In Palakkad and Wayanad, Kummatikali is performed by men wearing wooden masks and colourful attire, enacting mythological stories while entertaining crowds.
The celebrations extend beyond homes and communities. Even offices, especially IT hubs in Kerala and Bengaluru, join in with festivities that include cultural ramp walks, dance performances, and dress competitions.
The grand feast, Onasadhya, remains the heart of the festival. This lavish vegetarian meal, served on banana leaves, can include up to 26 or more dishes ranging from curries to payasams. It reflects Kerala’s hospitality and love for sharing food with family and friends.
Onam is more than a festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that binds communities, celebrates prosperity, and keeps Kerala’s age-old traditions alive. Whether through dance, games, rituals, or food, Onam captures the true spirit of unity and joy.
