Onam 2026
Kerala's greatest harvest festival
Dates Across Years
Atham: 27th August 2025
Atham: 21st August 2026
Atham: 9th September 2027
About Onam
Onam is the most celebrated festival of Kerala, marking the mythical homecoming of the beloved demon-king Mahabali (Maveli). According to legend, Mahabali was a just and benevolent ruler who was banished to the netherworld by Vamana (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), but granted the boon of visiting his kingdom once a year. Onam lasts 10 days, beginning on Atham and culminating on Thiruvonam — the grandest day.
Traditions & Rituals
Pookalam
പൂക്കളംIntricate floral carpets laid at the threshold of homes each day of Onam, growing more elaborate as the festival progresses. Each day a new ring of flowers is added to the design.
Onasadya
ഓണസദ്യThe grand Onam feast — a 26+ dish vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, including sambar, avial, olan, kaalan, thoran, payasam, and more. Considered one of the greatest meals in Indian cuisine.
Vallam Kali
വള്ളം കളിSnake boat races held on Kerala's backwaters. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha is the most famous, attracting thousands of spectators. Crews of 100+ rowers power massive chundan vallams (snake boats).
Pulikali
പുലിക്കളിThe Tiger Play — performers paint their bodies to resemble tigers and leopards and dance through the streets of Thrissur on the 4th day of Onam. A wildly festive street performance.
Thumbi Thullal
തുമ്പി തുള്ളൽA traditional women's dance performed during Onam, where performers sing and dance in a circle, often imitating the movements of the thumbi (dragonfly).
Maveli Para
മാവേലിക്കരEffigies of King Mahabali, known as Maveli, are created and placed in homes and public spaces to symbolise his visit to Kerala during Onam.
How Different Districts Celebrate
Pulikali (Tiger Play) on 4th Onam day — unmissable street festival
Nehru Trophy Boat Race — the grandest Vallam Kali in Kerala
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race — one of the oldest snake boat races
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple Pongala — women's Onam rituals
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Onam 2026?
Thiruvonam (the main day of Onam 2026) is on August 30, 2026 (Sunday). The 10-day festival begins on Atham, August 21, 2026.
Is Onam a public holiday?
Yes. Thiruvonam is a full public holiday in Kerala. Many offices and schools also observe a holiday on Uthradam (the day before Thiruvonam). The entire 10-day period is considered a festive season.
What is the story behind Onam?
Onam celebrates the annual visit of the mythical King Mahabali (Maveli) to Kerala. Mahabali was a generous and just ruler who was sent to the netherworld by Vamana (Vishnu). He was granted one wish — to visit his beloved subjects once a year — and Onam celebrates that return.
What is Onasadya?
Onasadya is the grand vegetarian feast of Onam, served on a fresh banana leaf. It traditionally consists of 26+ dishes including rice, sambar, avial, olan, kaalan, pachadi, thoran, pappadam, and several payasam (sweet puddings). It is eaten on the floor with hands, in the traditional Kerala style.