The Grand Harvest Festival of Kerala
Onam is the official state festival of Kerala, a vibrant and elaborate ten-day celebration of harvest, culture, and mythology. It is celebrated by all Keralites, regardless of religion, and commemorates the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign was considered a golden era of prosperity and equality.
Onam marks the end of the monsoon season and celebrates the bountiful rice harvest, bringing joy and prosperity to the land.
The festival is centered around the belief that the benevolent spirit of King Mahabali visits his people once every year during Onam.
The celebrations begin on the Atham day and culminate on the tenth day, Thiru Onam, in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September).
The story of Onam revolves around the wise and generous demon king, Mahabali. His reign was a time of perfect harmony and prosperity, but his growing power made the gods insecure. They sought the help of Lord Vishnu to curb his influence.
The Three Paces of Vamana
Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin boy named Vamana and visited King Mahabali, who was known for his generosity. Vamana asked for a grant of land that he could cover in three paces. The king readily agreed. Vamana then grew to a cosmic size. With his first step, he covered the earth, and with the second, he covered the heavens. For the third step, the righteous King Mahabali, realizing he was in the presence of the divine, offered his own head. Impressed by his devotion, Vishnu granted him a boon: Mahabali could return to visit his beloved kingdom and people once every year. This annual visit is celebrated as Onam.
Onam is a ten-day festival, with each day having specific rituals that build up to the grand celebration of Thiru Onam.
The start of Onam. A small floral carpet, the Pookkalam, is laid out. This marks the beginning of Mahabali's preparations to return.
Each day, new layers of flowers are added to the Pookkalam, making it larger and more intricate. Festivities and shopping gain momentum.
Considered the eve of Onam, it is believed that King Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day. It's a day of last-minute preparations and grand feasts.
The main day of the festival. People wear new clothes (*Onakkodi*), visit temples, and enjoy the grand vegetarian feast, the Onam Sadya, with their families.
The festival is a spectacular showcase of Kerala's rich culture, featuring a variety of art forms, rituals, and community events.
Intricate floral carpets made on the ground with fresh flowers to welcome King Mahabali.
A lavish vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring dozens of dishes and representing the prosperity of Mahabali's reign.
The famous snake boat races, where long, elegant boats rowed by dozens of men compete on Kerala's backwaters.
A colorful folk art where performers, painted as tigers and hunters, dance to the beat of traditional drums.
The Onam Sadya is the grandest part of the celebration, a multi-course meal that showcases the best of Keralan cuisine.