Overview
Onam: The Harvest Festival of Kerala
Onam is celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm. These ten days are filled with dancing, singing, exciting sports, and a variety of lip-smacking dishes. The festival falls during August–September, showcasing the vibrant culture of Kerala. Onam commemorates the visit of the legendary King Mahabali, a generous ruler sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu to uphold justice.
Celebrations:
Onam is a 10-day carnival starting from Atham to the tenth and biggest day, Thiru Onam. The festival begins with Pookalam, colorful floral carpets on the floor, which grow larger and more elaborate each day. Grand processions featuring caparisoned elephants, dancers, and musicians occur across the state on Atham.
Rituals:
Although the festival lasts ten days, Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important. On Thiru Onam, people clean their houses, take early baths, wear new clothes, and perform prayers. A grand Pookalam is prepared to welcome King Mahabali. Traditional breakfasts include steamed bananas and fried papadam. Conical clay figures decorated with rice flour are placed in sacred spots, and greetings are exchanged by saying "Thiruonam Ashamsakal" meaning "Onam wishes to everyone."
Cuisine:
The highlight of Thiru Onam is the traditional Onasadya, served on a banana leaf. Typically, 28 vegetarian dishes accompany steamed rice, including curries like Pariappu, Sambar, Rasam, Pullisseri, and sides like Avial, Kaalan, Thoran, Olan, Pachad, Mango pickle, Papadam, Buttermilk, and Plantain chips. Dessert is traditionally Payasam.
Excursion:
Vallamkali, or the Snake Boat Race, is a major highlight. While held across several backwaters, the event at Alappuzha is the most significant, with another notable race at Aranmula.
Shopping:
Onam is also a time for gifting. Popular items include baskets of fresh flowers and fruits, wall hangings, and showpieces made of cloth and wool.
When to Reach:
Onam is generally celebrated in August–September.
How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram:
Air: The city has an international airport, well-connected to major cities globally, with domestic flights from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Cochin.
Rail: Thiruvananthapuram is a major railhead of Southern Railways, connected to Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Road: Excellent road network with state-owned buses connecting all cities within Kerala.
