Onam 2026 – Harvest Festival of Kerala and Homecoming of King Mahabali

Full Date

25 August 2026 10:51 PM (Thiruvonam Nakshatram begins) – 26 August 2026 12:48 AM next day (Thiruvonam Nakshatram ends)

Muhurat Timings in India

• Athachamayam Grand Procession

  On 25 August 2026 the Athachamayam procession in Tripunithura near Kochi ushers in the Onam festival with floats, elephants, music and folk-performances. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

  25 August 2026 Afternoon (approx) – 25 August 2026 Evening

• Onam Sadya & Family Feast

  On 26 August 2026, families gather at lunch to share the Onam sadya — a multi-course vegetarian feast served on banana leaves featuring delicacies such as payasam, avial, olan and more. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

  26 August 2026 Midday – 26 August 2026 Afternoon / Early Evening

Introduction

Onam is a vibrant and inclusive 10-day harvest festival celebrated primarily in Kerala, commemorating the annual visit of King Mahabali and the prosperity of the land. It brings people together across communities, marked by spectacular visuals, feasting and joyous tradition.

Other Names

Thiruonam, Onam Festival, Onam Sadya Day

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean the courtyard and entrance; draw the first layer of pookalam with yellow flowers on Atham day.
• Install an idol or image of Vamana/King Mahabali in front of the home on Thiruvonam day.
• Offer a lamp (nilavilakku), fresh flowers, fruits and the first paddy of the season in the shrine.
• Prepare and serve Onam sadya around midday; families and communities sit together on banana leaves.
• End the day by lighting lamps around the home, visiting neighbours and participating in night tribal folk games.

Rituals

• Designing elaborate pookalam (floral carpets) in front of homes and temples.
• Participating in vallam kali (snake boat races) on the rivers of Kerala.
• Dressing in new traditional clothes (Onakkodi) and buying new items.
• Serving and eating the Onam sadya — an elaborate vegetarian feast on banana leaves.
• Playing traditional games, folk dances (Kaikottikali, Thiruvathirakali) and tiger dance (Pulikali).

Regional Highlights

• Onam is predominantly celebrated in Kerala but Malayali communities worldwide observe it with pookalam-making, Sadya meals, and cultural programs. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Boat races (Vallam Kali) like the famous Nehru Trophy snake-boat race draw big crowds in districts like Alappuzha and Kottayam.
• In cities major decorations, public cultural shows and light-displays take place; many non-Malayali residents also participate in the spirit of the festival.

History

According to legend, King Mahabali ruled Kerala in a time of prosperity and equality. His reign ended when Vamana (an avatar of Vishnu) asked for three steps of land and then sent Mahabali to the underworld, granting him the boon to visit his people once each year. Onam marks that welcome return. The festival also aligns with the rice harvest and the Malayalam month of Chingam. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Additional Information

• Onam also marks the Malayalam New Year (in some traditions) and the end of the monsoon season, heralding harvest time. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• The proverb ‘Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam’ means one should attend the Onam banquet even if one must sell property — signifying the importance of the Sadya feast. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Though rooted in Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated by people of all faiths in Kerala as a cultural festival of unity and prosperity. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}