Onam is the ten day harvest festival that heralds the home coming of the mythological king Mahabali. This is an ancient festival that is well grounded in tradition and is still devoutly followed by malayalis even in modern times. Also known as the rice festival or festival of rain flowers Onam is a yearly memorial of the Asura King Mahabhali who from Patalam (hell). This is one of the most revered celebrations as Mahabali rule in Kerala is also considered as the Golden age. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala is at its zenith or best during the ten day festival. According to mythology Mahabali rule as King was happy and prosperous time so much so that the God’s and Indra were particularly jealous of Mahabali and approach Vishnu stating that both approached Vishnu claiming that both Mahabali and Indra were equal to each other. Once Vishnu was convinced that Indra’ pride was contained and a world with two Indra’s meant imbalance assumed the dwarf Vamana. He approached Mahabali in his palace and asked him for three steps of land in which he could reside. Guru Sukrayacharya warned Mahabali against entertaining the wishes of Vamana, however contrary to the same granted his wish. Vamana grew so large that he was greater than the heavens and his single step could reach to even the abyss below. Mahabali was unable to fulfill his promise of three pace of land and hence he offered his head for the third step. Thus Vamana placed his foot on his head sent him down all the way to hell. However Lord Vishnu gave the good king the privilege of visiting his Kerala at time of harvest every year.

When is Onam celebrated- Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar (kollavarsham). However rituals for this feast begin with Attam that is celebrated ten days before the Thiru Onam. The ten days of Onam are celebrated as follows-

• Attam- The first day of Onam it is considered as one of the most holy and at the same time auspicious days. People are known to rise early on the given day and offer prayers at temple. However the major highlight of Attam is the Athapoo, an intricate floral design made in the courtyard of houses. In subsequent days more floral designs are added. A grand procession called Attachamayam is a carried out. This ritual has been continued since the days of monarchy in the state.

• Chitthira- The second day of festivities are not marked by rituals but people offer prayers as usual. New flowers are added to the floral mats .Pookalam has been known in recent years both for creativity and innovative designs.

• Chothi- This day is marked with activities; Onam shopping tops the list of activities for this day. The festival of Onam today is become am commercialized affair with more and more shopkeepers and franchises offering discounts and sale to cash in the mood of festivities. There are no special rituals as such for this day but special are added each day to the Pookalam. Day by day the diameter of the Athapoo increases.

• Vishakam- The fourth day of Onam festivities sees the preparation of the elaborate nine course Onamsadhya, The attapova is also elaborately decorated.

• Anizham- The highpoint of the fifth day of festivities is the snake boat race. Known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Boat race this race that takes place on the banks of the river Pamba.

• Thriketa- Cultural programs and activities in various parts of the state. This is a secular festival and as such individuals across religions partake of the festivities.

• Moolam- With just two days remaining for the feast enthusiasm grips the state as there is hustle and bustle while people are busy putting together last minute preparations.

• Pooradam- This day has a deep significance as far as festivities are concerned. Devotees create clay idols in the shape of small pyramids that are called Ma. In addition new flowers are added to the Pookalam.

• Uthradam- this is the ninth and last day of festivities. There is jubilation all around as people prepare themselves for the approaching festival of Onam. On the day of Uthradam tenants and dependents of Nayyar Tharavads have this tradition that on this day the farm produce is handed over to the eldest member of the family. Houses are cleaned people are all charged up to celebrate this festival.

• Thiruvonam- Activities begin early in the morning. People rise early in the morning and wear new clothes and participate in special prayers both at home and also at temples. In the afternoon, the grand feast or Onamsadhya is served. This strictly vegetarian consist of 11 to 13 dishes and is served on plantain leaf. Various cultural events are organised all over the state to mark the day. Dances, games, shows and get together are the other highlights of the day. Patassu (fire crackers) are also burnt to celebrate the occasion. 

When is Onam Celebrated?

Onam is biggest celebration of the year as far as Malayalis are concerned. Spectacular celebrations take place in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur and Kottayam. The Government of Kerala also celebrates festival week of Onam as Tourism week.