Onam is Kerala's grandest festival, a ten-day celebration that transforms the lush green state into a vibrant showcase of culture, art, and unity. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), Onam commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura king whose reign is considered Kerala's golden age. According to mythology, Mahabali was so virtuous that the gods grew jealous, and Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, pushed the king into the netherworld. However, touched by Mahabali's devotion, Vishnu granted him permission to visit his people once a year - and that visit is Onam.
The festival is unique in Indian culture as it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in Kerala, making it a truly secular cultural celebration. The ten days begin with Atham and culminate in Thiruvonam, the most important day. During these days, Keralites create Pookalam - intricate floral carpets at their doorsteps using fresh flowers arranged in increasingly complex circular patterns that grow larger each day.
The Onam Sadya (feast) is the culinary highlight - an elaborate vegetarian meal served on banana leaves featuring up to 26 dishes including sambar, avial, olan, pachadi, payasam, and banana chips. The meticulous arrangement of dishes on the leaf follows a specific protocol, and eating the Sadya with one's hands is an experience in itself. Families gather from near and far for this feast, making it the biggest family reunion event in Kerala.
Vallam Kali (snake boat races) are among the most thrilling Onam traditions. Long, ornate boats manned by over a hundred oarsmen compete in synchronized rowing on Kerala's backwaters, accompanied by traditional boat songs. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is the most famous. Other celebrations include Pulikali (tiger dance), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Thiruvathira Kali, and Onappottan - a masked figure representing King Mahabali visiting homes.
