Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comOnam
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, observed on the day of Thiruvonam Nakshatra in the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar, tied to the belief of King Mahabali's yearly return to earth to meet his people.
Onam follows the Malayalam solar calendar, so its calculation differs from North India's lunar-tithi festivals. The celebrations actually begin ten days before Thiruvonam, starting on Atham day.
Significance of Onam
According to legend, the demon king Mahabali was an extremely popular and just ruler, but his growing power troubled the gods. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and asked Mahabali for three paces of land as alms. Assuming a cosmic form, Vamana covered the entire earth and sky in two paces. For the third, Mahabali offered his own head, and pleased by his humility, Vamana granted him the kingdom of the netherworld, along with a boon to return to Kerala once a year to meet his people.
Onam is celebrated to welcome this yearly return. It is believed that King Mahabali's reign was one of prosperity, equality, and happiness, which is why Onam is also observed in remembrance of that golden age and in celebration of a bountiful harvest.
The celebration spans ten days, beginning on Atham and reaching its peak on Thiruvonam, which falls in the Chingam month, the first month of the Malayalam solar year.
How Onam Is Celebrated
Every day, a flower carpet called 'Pookalam' is laid out in the courtyard, growing larger and more elaborate each day from Atham through to Thiruvonam.
On Thiruvonam, a grand vegetarian feast called 'Onasadya', comprising more than 20 dishes, is served on a banana leaf and shared with family and friends.
During this period, many places in Kerala host the famous 'Vallamkali' snake boat races, along with 'Pulikali' (tiger dance) performances and traditional 'Onam Kali' folk dances.
Onam Puja Vidhi
From Atham day, start laying a Pookalam in the courtyard each day, growing it through to Thiruvonam. On Thiruvonam, bathe in the morning and wear new clothes, remember King Mahabali and Lord Vamana, and prepare the Onasadya feast on a banana leaf to share with family.
About Onam
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, observed in the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar, tied to King Mahabali's annual return and Lord Vamana's incarnation. This page covers Onam's significance, the legend of Mahabali and Vamana, and traditions such as Pookalam, Onasadya, and Vallamkali.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Onam observed?
Onam is observed on the day of Thiruvonam Nakshatra in the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar, usually falling in August–September.
Why is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali's annual return and in remembrance of his just and prosperous reign, made possible by Lord Vamana's boon.
What is Pookalam?
Pookalam is a flower carpet laid out in the courtyard every day from Atham to Thiruvonam, growing larger with each passing day.
How many dishes are there in Onasadya?
Onasadya typically consists of more than 20 vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, forming the main feast of Thiruvonam day.