Onam — Kerala's main festival. 10 days. Welcomes annual return of King Mahabali from heaven.
Harvest and unity festival. Hindus-Muslims-Christians all celebrate. Floral rangoli (pookkalam), saadya (feast).
✦ 10 Days
1. Atham: pookkalam start.
2. Chithira: rangoli expand.
3. Chodi: new clothes shopping.
4. Vishakam: sandal-oil bath.
5. Anizham: boat races.
6. Thriketta: family reunion.
7. Moolam: saadya prep.
8. Pooradam: welcome Mahabali.
9. Uthradam: main eve.
10. Thiruvonam: main day. Saadya feast.
✦ 2026 Onam
Atham: 17 August 2026.
Thiruvonam: 26 August 2026 (Wednesday).
Kerala state holiday.
✦ Main Traditions
Pookkalam: 10 days floral rangoli at each home entrance.
Onam saadya: 26-dish vegetarian feast on banana leaf.
Vallam Kali: boat races (Alappuzha famous).
Onakkodi: new clothes.
Kummatti Kali: mask dance. Puli Kali: tiger dance.
✦ Mahabali Story
Mahabali: asura king but righteous.
Created heaven-like Kerala.
Devas jealous.
Vishnu took Vamana avatar. Asked 3-paces land.
Covered all in 2. Third on Bali's head.
Bali sent to patal.
Once a year visits subjects. That's Onam.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Why 26 dishes in saadya?▼
Traditional auspicious number. Modern: 30+ possible. Arranged on banana leaf in order.
Can non-Keralites celebrate?▼
Yes! Festival for all. Pookkalam-saadya at home. Kerala restaurants serve saadya.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.