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By Swati Singh
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Updated on 28 Aug 2025, 18:50 IST
Onam is the most important cultural festival of Kerala, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Malayalis across the world. It is a harvest festival that usually falls in the month of August or September and lasts for ten days. Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a golden era of prosperity and equality. The festival is famous for its grand feasts called Onam Sadhya, traditional dance forms, Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pookalam (floral decorations), and cultural programs. It symbolizes unity, harmony, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Also Check: List of Quotes
Traditional Wishes
Quotes on Prosperity & Happiness
On King Mahabali
Family & Togetherness
Onam Sadhya & Celebrations
Floral Beauty & Pookkalam
Onam & Unity
Short & Sweet Wishes
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Poetic Onam Quotes
Modern Onam Greetings
Traditional Onam Wishes
Quotes on Prosperity & Happiness
On King Mahabali
Family & Togetherness
Onam Sadhya & Celebrations
Floral Beauty & Pookkalam
Onam & Unity
Short & Sweet Onam Messages
Poetic Style Onam Quotes
Modern Onam Greetings
Onam is the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a golden era.
Onam usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and lasts for 10 days, with the most important day being Thiruvonam.
Onam is celebrated to honor King Mahabali, a mythical ruler who was known for his generosity and prosperity. It is believed that he visits Kerala during Onam to see his people.
The major rituals include creating floral carpets (Pookalam), wearing traditional attire, preparing the grand feast (Onam Sadya), boat races (Vallam Kali), and cultural performances like Kathakali and Thiruvathira Kali.
Pookalam is a decorative floral arrangement made on the ground with colorful flowers, symbolizing prosperity and welcoming King Mahabali.
Onam Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with over 20–25 dishes including rice, sambar, avial, olan, thoran, payasam (dessert), and more.
Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) is a traditional boat race held during Onam. Long snake-shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete, creating a spectacular sight.