Kerala’s biggest festival is a celebration filled with colour, flavour, tradition, and community spirit. Onam brings people together through days of festive rituals, elaborate meals, floral decorations, cultural performances, and traditional games. At its heart is the story of King Mahabali, whose legendary return is celebrated with joy across the state. Here are eight traditions that make Onam a celebration unlike any other.
Onam Traditions
1. Onasadya
No Onam celebration is complete without Onasadya, the elaborate vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf. The meal brings together a wide variety of traditional flavours and textures, with dishes such as avial, sambar, thoran, olan, erissery, kalan, pachadi, kichadi, and parippu, accompanied by rice, pappadam, pickles, and banana chips. For dessert, payasam is a much-loved finale, with varieties such as ada pradhaman, parippu payasam, and palada payasam often served as part of the feast. More than just a lavish meal, Onasadya embodies the spirit of Onam through abundance, hospitality, togetherness, and sharing.
2. Athapookalam
One of the most beautiful and colourful Onam traditions is Athapookalam, the intricate floral carpet created at the entrance of homes, temples, schools, and public spaces. Made using fresh flowers in vibrant colours, these designs often feature geometric patterns, traditional motifs, and creative shapes. Families traditionally begin creating the pookalam on Atham, the first day of the Onam celebrations. They gradually add more flowers and expand the design as Thiruvonam approaches. More than a decoration, Athapookalam brings families and communities together and adds a festive touch to the celebration.
3. The Legend Of King Mahabali
Onam is rooted in the legend of King Mahabali, a beloved ruler known for his generosity and devotion to his people. His reign was a time of peace and equality. The story describes how Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, approached Mahabali, disguised as a dwarf Brahmin, and asked for three paces of land. As Vamana grew to a cosmic size and covered the earth in two steps, Mahabali offered his own head for the third step. Moved by his humility, Lord Vishnu allowed Mahabali to return to Kerala once a year, celebrated during Onam.
4. Vallam Kali
Kerala’s traditional snake-boat race, Vallam Kali, is one of the most exciting spectacles associated with Onam. Long, narrow chundan vallams carry teams of rowers who paddle in perfect rhythm to the beat of traditional songs and drums. Held on Kerala’s rivers and backwaters, these races draw large crowds and showcase the state’s strong connection with its waterways. Beyond the competition, Vallam Kali celebrates teamwork, community spirit, tradition, and local pride, making it an important part of the Onam festivities.
Also Read: The Story Of Onam: How Mahabali, Vamana & One Annual Visit Became Kerala’s Biggest Festival
5. Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the most important day of the Onam celebrations and is traditionally associated with the annual return of King Mahabali to Kerala. On this day, families come together to prepare the home, create elaborate pookalams, wear new clothes, and enjoy the grand Onasadya feast. Homes are filled with the warmth of family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural celebrations. Thiruvonam brings together many of the traditions that make Onam special, celebrating prosperity, togetherness, and the joy of welcoming loved ones.
6. Onakkodi
Onakkodi, the tradition of wearing new clothes during Onam, is an important part of the festival’s celebrations. Families often buy new outfits for themselves and their loved ones, with traditional Kerala attire such as the kasavu saree, settu mundu, and mundu being especially popular. The custom symbolises renewal, prosperity, and the joy of celebrating a fresh beginning. Giving new clothes to family members and children also adds a spirit of generosity to the festivities, making Onakkodi a cherished Onam tradition.
7. Pulikali
Pulikali, meaning “tiger play,” is one of the most vibrant and entertaining traditions associated with Onam. Performers paint their bodies in striking tiger-like patterns, often in shades of yellow, black, and orange, and dress up with tiger-inspired features before taking to the streets. Accompanied by the energetic beats of traditional drums, they dance and perform for crowds, creating a lively festive atmosphere. The tradition is especially popular in Thrissur, where large Pulikali processions are held during the Onam season.
8. Traditional Games
Traditional games are an important part of Onam celebrations, bringing families, friends, and communities together in a spirit of fun and friendly competition. Popular activities include Vadam Vali, the traditional tug-of-war, Uriyadi, a lively pot-breaking game, and Onakalikal, a group of traditional games enjoyed during the festive season. These games add energy and excitement to this beautiful festival.
Together, these traditions capture the vibrant spirit of Onam, celebrating Kerala’s rich culture, cherished heritage, and the joy of coming together.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Jithin Murali from Pexels and Wikipedia
FAQs
What is Onam?
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, celebrated with feasts, floral decorations, cultural events, and traditional games.
Why is Onam celebrated?
Onam commemorates the legendary annual return of King Mahabali to Kerala.
