Introduction

Kerala prepares for this special occasion by decorating houses by flowers and putting up new posters advertising Onam sale offers for clothing which sets the background. Onam transcends religious and socioeconomic boundaries and lasts for ten days. It takes place in Chingam (August–September) and is recalled as the fabled arrival of a king at the beginning of farming season. The festival’s spectacular decorations known as (Pookalam), where houses are decked out in flowers, the special feasts prepared by every Keralan home, the lively dancing known as thiruvathira, and the boat races are all examples of Kerala’s rich culture.

Mythical Origins

King Mahabali as said by people of Kerala, a fabled kind king whose period was marked by equality and wealth, is the core of the onam tales. As gods were worried by his increasing fame among people and turned to Vishnu for help. In one of his disguised form, Vishnu went up to Mahabali and asked for land measured by the 3 steps he would walk. As it was granted by the king, Vishnu grew bigger and two stages covering both the sky and whole land. King gave his head for third step, and that caused him to descend into the underworld. But Vishnu allowed him to go visit once a year, and this came to be known as Onam.

Historical Flourishment 

Temple inscriptions and Sangam literature both make mention to the ancient Onam feast. Onam celebrations in Madurai, which include games and feasts, are mentioned in the poetry Maturaikkāñci from the third century CE. Onam has long been significant, as evidenced by inscriptions from the 11th and 12th centuries found in temples such as Thrikkakara and Tiruvalla in Kerala that describe offerings made during this time.

Main highlights of onam

Pookalam, or flower carpet: Beautiful floral carpets placed at doors signify a cordial greeting to King and the unity of the community. lt can be put in square or circle or triangle shape with varying beautiful patterns and today there are pookalam competitions conducted by schools and other organizations

Onavillu: In remembrance of Mahabali’s devotion, ornamental wooden bows decorated with images of Vishnu’s avatars.

Kummattikali: Mask dances that depict mythological figures and give the festivities a dramatic touch.

Onathallu: A display of martial arts that honors past conflicts and reflects bravery.

Onam sadya: lavish meal served on leaf and lots of vegetarian side dishes are prepared as well and sweet at the end. This feast represents unity and abundance.

Vallam kali (boat race): Kerala’s traditional boat race, is a lively water sport that exemplifies the values of cooperation and cultural pride.

Thiruvathira (dance)The elegant women’s dance which is done in a circle, honors the myth of Lord Shiva and Parvati as well as feminine vitality.

Pulikali: The festival’s untamed energy is embodied by performers dressed as tigers painted in yellow and black stripes who dance to rhythms played by chendas.

10 DAYS OF ONAM

Day 1 -Atham

On day one people begin making Pookkalam (floral decorations) with single layer and uses flowers from the garden or flowers that we find easily , and the number of layers in the flower carpet grows day by day. It is thought that King Mahabali’s spirit sets out on his quest to travel to Kerala on day one.

Day 2 -Chithira

homes are beautifully maintained and cleaned and the pookkalam has additional layers with different flowers.

Day 3 -Chodhi
Families are excited as the onam purchases are made, including new clothing. The Pookkalam gets more complex on day three.

Day 4- Vishakam
Households begin gathering and preparing ingredients for Onasadya, the traditional feast, on this special day.

Day 5-Anizham

The renowned Vallamkali (boat races), particularly the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, begin in Anizham.

Day 6- Thriketa

Institutions and schools in Thriketa start their holiday breaks. Festive preparations get more intense as family get-togethers start.

Day 7-Moolam
On a smaller scale Meals are prepared for Onam Sadya. Festivals at the temple and cultural events can start.

Day 8-Pooradam

In addition to the Pookkalam, homes are decorated with onathappan, made of clay which represents King Mahabali and Vamana ,and rice flour batter is poured over them along with some wavy designs and dots .

Day 9-Uthradom
Regarded as Onam’s eve. King Mahabali is said to have arrived in Kerala and all Onam preparations are finished by households.

Day 10-Thiruvonam
The primary Onam day, people visit temples, play games like Onakalikal, prepare elaborate Onasadya, and dress traditionally.

With no religion boundaries, people in Kerala take part in this time of year. Individuals from all walks of life join in the celebrations, which strengthens social peace. Through traditional arts, handicrafts, and tourism the event also strengthens local economies.

Pop Culture References

Films like “Ulsavapittennu” and “Onam Vannallo” highlight the customs of Onam, demonstrating how its themes have influenced Malayalam cinema. Its incorporation into modern culture is reflected in the special programs that television networks broadcast and the commercials that brands run with Onam themes.

Conclusion

More than merely a celebration, Onam represents the ideals of equality, wealth, and unity, which are represented by the fabled reign of King mahabali, which is thought to have been characterized by abundance, justice, and peace. People from all communities come together, overcoming socioeconomic and religious divides.

Onam acts as an anchor for preserving our traditions in a world that is rapidly modernizing, conserving Kerala’s legacy while adapting to the present. By reminding Keralites of their common identity and timeless ideals, it still fosters a sense of togetherness. Onam is not just a festival in Kerala but also a message to the rest of people around, because it is a joyful occasion and a symbol of historical pride that upholds inclusivity.

References

1. Kerala Tourism. “Onam Festival.” Kerala Tourism. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.keralatourism.org/onam-festival.

2. Wikipedia contributors. “Onam.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam.

3. Kerala Tourism. “Story of Mahabali.” Kerala Tourism. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/history/mahabali-legend.

4. Wikipedia contributors. “Pulikali.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puli_Kali.

5. Wikipedia contributors. “Kummattikali.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kummattikali.

6. Wikipedia contributors. “Onavillu.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onavillu.

7. Wikipedia contributors. “Onathallu.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onathallu.

8. Reddit user. “Onam’s Inclusivity.” Reddit. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/progressive_islam/comments/x5p1gd/onam_is_a_harvest_festival_celebrated_in_the.

9. Kerala Tourism Department. “Onam – The State Festival of Kerala.” Kerala Tourism. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.keralatourism.org.

10. Menon, A. Sreedhara. A Survey of Kerala History. DC Books.

11. Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Onam Festival.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Onam.

12. Kerala Tourism. “Vallamkali – The Snake Boat Race of Kerala & Thiruvathira – Traditional Dance Form.” Kerala Tourism. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.keralatourism.org.

13. Iris Holidays. “Onam Festival in Kerala.” Iris Holidays. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/onam-festival.

14. TravelSetu. “Celebrating Onam in Kerala: Cultural Insights and Festivities.” TravelSetu. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://travelsetu.com/apps/blog/celebrating-onam-in-kerala-cultural-insights-and-festivities.

15. Holidify. “Onam – Kerala’s Biggest Festival.” Holidify. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.holidify.com/pages/onam-kerala-festival-407.html.

16. IndianFestival101. “Onam – Harvest Festival of Kerala.” IndianFestival101. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://indianfestival101.com/onam-harvest-festival-of-kerala.

17. Clickastro. “Onam Festival Guide.” Clickastro. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.clickastro.com/blog/onam.

18. UMEDesi. “Onam Celebration.” UMEDesi. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://umedesi.com/onam.

19. KL Cottages. “Celebrating Onam 2024 in Kumarakom: A Festival of Unity and Joy.” KL Cottages. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.klcottages.com/celebrating-onam-2024-in-kumarakom-a-festival-of-unity-and-joy.

20. Ramanathan. “Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple.” Ramanathan’s Blog. Accessed June 12, 2025. http://ramanathan78.blogspot.com/p/thrikkakara-vamana-moorthy-temple.html.

21. Vummidi Jewellers Blog. “The History and Significance of Onam: A Deep Dive into Kerala’s Grand Festival.” Vummidi Jewellers Blog. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.vummidi.com/blog/history-and-significance-of-onam.

22. PunePulse. “Celebrating Onam 2024: Kerala’s Iconic Harvest Festival Honours Unity and Prosperity.” PunePulse. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.mypunepulse.com/celebrating-onam-2024-keralas-iconic-harvest-festival-honours-unity-and-prosperity/.

23. The Economic Times. “Onam 2024: Dates, Significance, and Rituals of Kerala’s Harvest Festival.” The Economic Times. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/onam-2024-dates-significance-and-rituals-of-keralas-harvest-festival/articleshow/113278412.cms.

24. Herzindagi.com. “Onam 2024: Date, Time, History, Significance of Kerala’s Harvest Festival.” Herzindagi.com. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/onam-date-time-history-significance-kerala-harvest-festival-article-302381.

25. Cashaly. “Onam Offers.” Cashaly. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.cashaly.com/category/festivals/onam-offers.

26. Kerala Tourism Holiday Blog. “Onam Festival.” Kerala Tourism Holiday Blog. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.keralatourism.holiday/blog/onam-festival/.

27. FirstCry. “Essay on Onam Festival: 10 Lines Short and Long Essay for Kids.” FirstCry. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.firstcry.com/intelli/articles/essay-on-onam-festival-10-lines-short-and-long-essay-for-kids/.

28. Times of India. “Onam 2024: Know Date, History, Significance of Kerala’s Biggest Festival.” Times of India. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/soul-search/onam-2024-know-date-history-significance-of-keralas-biggest-festival/articleshow/113118920.cms.

29. Government of India, Ministry of Culture. “The Legend and Festival of Onam.” Ministry of Culture Archives. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.indiaculture.nic.in/legend-and-festival-onam.

30. Menon, A. Sreedhara. Cultural Heritage of Kerala. DC Books.

31. Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Onam.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Onam.

32. Vummidi Jewellers Blog. “History and Significance of Onam.” Vummidi Jewellers Blog. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.vummidi.com/blog/history-and-significance-of-onam/.

33. Tusk Travel. “Onam Festival Kerala: Date, Traditions, Activities, Story and How to Celebrate.” Tusk Travel. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.tusktravel.com/blog/onam-festival-kerala-date-traditions-activities-story-and-how-celebrate/.

34. Rudraksha Ratna. “Onam Harvest Festival.” Rudraksha Ratna. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/onam-harvest-festival.

35. Holidify. “Onam Kerala Festival.” Holidify. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.holidify.com/pages/onam-kerala-festival-407.html.

36. Clickastro. “Onam.” Clickastro. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.clickastro.com/blog/onam/.

37. Voxplor. “Onam Festival: History and Significance.” Voxplor.

38. IMNepal. “Onam: The Biggest Festival Celebrating Rice and Prosperity.” IMNepal. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.imnepal.com/onam-biggest-festival-celebrating-rice-and-prosperity/

39. Festival Around the World. “Onam Festival: Celebrating the Harvest and Culture of Kerala.” Festival Around the World. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://festivalaroundtheworld.com/onam-festival-celebrating-the-harvest-and-culture-of-kerala/

40. Slurrp. “Onam 2024: History, Significance, and Food Rituals of 10 Festive Days.” Slurrp. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.slurrp.com/article/onam-2024-history-significance-and-food-rituals-of-10-festive-days-1725698245504