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.
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.
The murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has turned into one of the most sensational crime stories of the year, with investigators now uncovering disturbing evidence of premeditation and betrayal. Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is the prime accused, and new revelations suggest a well-planned plot fueled by her relationship with alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.
Ac
The murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has turned into one of the most sensational crime stories of the year, with investigators now uncovering disturbing evidence of premeditation and betrayal. Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is the prime accused, and new revelations suggest a well-planned plot fueled by her relationship with alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.
Ac
A chilling twist in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case has surfaced, revealing how a seemingly minor digital misstep led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who, along with three contract killers, is accused of murdering her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. The murder, allegedly premeditated and executed during their honeymoon trip, has sent shockwaves across the country.
According to police, the couple carried four mobil
A chilling twist in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case has surfaced, revealing how a seemingly minor digital misstep led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who, along with three contract killers, is accused of murdering her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. The murder, allegedly premeditated and executed during their honeymoon trip, has sent shockwaves across the country.
According to police, the couple carried four mobil
In a chilling revelation, police investigating the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya have stated that his wife Sonam lured him to the remote region using a religious pretext. Investigators revealed that Sonam told her husband she would only consummate their marriage after visiting the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. This led Raja to plan their honeymoon through Assam and Meghalaya, unaware that it was part of a calculated murder plot.
According to the East Khasi Hills Police, Sonam and her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha hatched a plan to kill Raja in a remote area, believing the dense jungles of Meghalaya would be an ideal setting for a discreet crime. The couple, who married in Indore on May 11, reached Meghalaya on May 20. By May 23, both had gone missing near Nongriat village. Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls.
The police said Sonam had hired three contract killers who arrived in Guwahati a day after the couple. After assessing the heavy tourist presence in Nongriat, the conspirators shifted the plan to Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was ultimately murdered. Sonam was reportedly present at the scene and fled shortly after the crime.
She evaded capture for over two weeks, using a complex travel route through Shillong and Guwahati, before surrendering in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur on June 9. Her boyfriend Raj and the contract killers Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi were arrested and produced in court in Shillong.
Police have collected strong evidence, including CCTV footage and digital communication records between Sonam and Raj, to build what they call a “tight-knit” case. The Special Investigation Team continues to trace Sonam’s full movement and is verifying her claim of having no prior visit to the region. Authorities are committed to preparing a strong chargesheet against all five accused in this cold-blooded murder.
In a chilling revelation, police investigating the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya have stated that his wife Sonam lured him to the remote region using a religious pretext. Investigators revealed that Sonam told her husband she would only consummate their marriage after visiting the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. This led Raja to plan their honeymoon through Assam and Meghalaya, unaware that it was part of a calculated murder plot.
According to the East Khasi Hills Police, Sonam and her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha hatched a plan to kill Raja in a remote area, believing the dense jungles of Meghalaya would be an ideal setting for a discreet crime. The couple, who married in Indore on May 11, reached Meghalaya on May 20. By May 23, both had gone missing near Nongriat village. Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls.
The police said Sonam had hired three contract killers who arrived in Guwahati a day after the couple. After assessing the heavy tourist presence in Nongriat, the conspirators shifted the plan to Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was ultimately murdered. Sonam was reportedly present at the scene and fled shortly after the crime.
She evaded capture for over two weeks, using a complex travel route through Shillong and Guwahati, before surrendering in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur on June 9. Her boyfriend Raj and the contract killers Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi were arrested and produced in court in Shillong.
Police have collected strong evidence, including CCTV footage and digital communication records between Sonam and Raj, to build what they call a “tight-knit” case. The Special Investigation Team continues to trace Sonam’s full movement and is verifying her claim of having no prior visit to the region. Authorities are committed to preparing a strong chargesheet against all five accused in this cold-blooded murder.
The brutal murder of Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has shocked the nation, as chilling new details reveal that his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi had plotted the crime with her lover, Raj Kushwaha, just days after their wedding. Raja's elder brother Vipin Raghuwanshi told Aaj Tak that Sonam had warned her family in advance about her relationship with Raj. Despite her pleas, her family insisted she marry within their caste, lead
The brutal murder of Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has shocked the nation, as chilling new details reveal that his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi had plotted the crime with her lover, Raj Kushwaha, just days after their wedding. Raja's elder brother Vipin Raghuwanshi told Aaj Tak that Sonam had warned her family in advance about her relationship with Raj. Despite her pleas, her family insisted she marry within their caste, lead
A chilling twist in a newlywed couple's story has sent shockwaves across the nation. Just weeks after their wedding, 26-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi was found brutally murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. What began as a celebration of love turned into a horrifying tale of betrayal, extramarital affairs, and premeditated murder. As police investigations unfold, a video from their wedding showing Raja joyfully applying sindoor on Sonam's forehead ha
A chilling twist in a newlywed couple's story has sent shockwaves across the nation. Just weeks after their wedding, 26-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi was found brutally murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. What began as a celebration of love turned into a horrifying tale of betrayal, extramarital affairs, and premeditated murder. As police investigations unfold, a video from their wedding showing Raja joyfully applying sindoor on Sonam's forehead ha
Geminis have always been a polarizing zodiac sign in the dating world. Recently, a new invite-only dating app called No Names nearly banned Geminis by adding a filter based on astrological signs. While the feature has since been removed, it reignited debate on whether Geminis are genuinely hard to date or simply misunderstood.
The app, which focuses on in-person connections over endless swiping, claimed the
Geminis have always been a polarizing zodiac sign in the dating world. Recently, a new invite-only dating app called No Names nearly banned Geminis by adding a filter based on astrological signs. While the feature has since been removed, it reignited debate on whether Geminis are genuinely hard to date or simply misunderstood.
The app, which focuses on in-person connections over endless swiping, claimed the
Poonam Gupta, a prominent economist with global expertise, has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman in over a decade to assume this high-ranking position at India’s central bank. She succeeds Michael Patra, who retired in January 2024.
Gupta brings with her nearly two decades of international experience, having worked with the World Bank, International Monet
Poonam Gupta, a prominent economist with global expertise, has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman in over a decade to assume this high-ranking position at India’s central bank. She succeeds Michael Patra, who retired in January 2024.
Gupta brings with her nearly two decades of international experience, having worked with the World Bank, International Monet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel today, located in Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km tunnel connects Gagangir to Sonamarg, offering all-weather access to the Kashmir valley, particularly enhancing safety and convenience during the harsh winter months. The region was previously prone to avalanches, making travel difficult.
The Z-Morh tunnel holds immense strategic and economic importance. It is expected to boost the local economy by enhan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel today, located in Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km tunnel connects Gagangir to Sonamarg, offering all-weather access to the Kashmir valley, particularly enhancing safety and convenience during the harsh winter months. The region was previously prone to avalanches, making travel difficult.
The Z-Morh tunnel holds immense strategic and economic importance. It is expected to boost the local economy by enhan
As the vibrant Onam celebrations unfold in Kerala, the state-run Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) has reported a staggering ₹818.21 crore in liquor sales over the festival's 12-day period. This figure surpasses last year's sales of ₹809.25 crore, underscoring the central role that spirits play in marking one of the state's most cherished festivals.
The peak sales day, Uthradam—preceding Thiruvonam—saw remarkable activity at BEVCO outlets, partic
As the vibrant Onam celebrations unfold in Kerala, the state-run Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) has reported a staggering ₹818.21 crore in liquor sales over the festival's 12-day period. This figure surpasses last year's sales of ₹809.25 crore, underscoring the central role that spirits play in marking one of the state's most cherished festivals.
The peak sales day, Uthradam—preceding Thiruvonam—saw remarkable activity at BEVCO outlets, partic
