About Onam

Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Malayali people of Kerala, India. The festival of Onam, celebrated by the commemorates Mahabali’s yearly homecoming after being sent down to the underworld Sutala by Vamana, a dwarf and the fifth incarnation avatar of Vishnu. Onam Onam is the most popular festival of Kerala (a southern coastal state of India). This is a Hindu festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Kerala for a period of ten days. Every year this festival falls on the Malayalam month of Chingam – between August and September and also known as the harvest festival of Kerala. Onam-celebration Onam is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals which is still celebrated with great devotion. Onam marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary king, who ruled Kerala in ancient times. That period was believed to be the golden age of Karala, people were happy, free from harm and complete harmony and prosperity were there. This golden age ended when Vamana (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) pushed King Mahabali, deep into the earth. Satisfied by Mahabali’s honesty and generosity, the Lord granted him a wish that he can visit his kingdom and dear subjects once in a year. Indian festivals don't get much better than the Onam festival. Join Onam festival tour and enjoy a wonderful Kerala tour. Vallamkali, boat race Kerala Onam festival is celebrated for ten days – Atham is the first day and Thiruvonam is the final day of the celebration. People wear new clothes, decorate their houses and put flower carpet called ‘Pookalam’ in front of their houses, to welcome King Mahabali. Special pujas are offered in the temples in the early morning and younger members take blessings and gifts from the elder members of the family. During Onam traditional rituals are performed followed by a lavish feast with twenty-one homemade curries and sweet payasam on a plantain leaf. Spectacular Carnivals of elephants, fireworks, boat races, music and the famous Kathakali dance are traditionally associated with this festival. The state government of Kerala conducts Tourism Week celebrations in connection with Onam, showcasing Kerala’s beauty and culture.