Kerala’s biggest cultural celebration, Onam, kicks off on Sunday, August 16 with the ten-day festival culminating in Thiruvonam — the main day — on Wednesday, August 26.
The Dates
The festival begins with Atham on August 16 with Thiruvonam itself falling on August 26 as the biggest day of the celebration. Third Onam (Avittam) falls on August 27 and Fourth Onam (Chathayam) on August 28.
The date of Onam festival is fixed by the Malayalam Chingam month and the Thiruvonam nakshatra,
The Athachamayam Procession
Sponsored by the state government, the Athachamayam is being held in Tripunithura on Sunday, August 16, drawing hundreds of spectators. Once a royal procession organized by the Cochin royal family, the event is now hosted by the Tripunithura municipality and marks the official start of Onam across Kerala.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan will inaugurate the Atham procession, while film actor Manoj K Jayan will flag off the parade.
A Cultural Spectacle
The procession will feature thousands of artists showcasing Kerala’s traditional art forms, including:
– Kathakali, Theyyam, and Chenda Melam
– Pulikali (tiger dance)
– Kavadiyattam, Sinkari Melam, Karakattam
– Kummi, Ammankudam, Mayilattam
– Kolkali, Padayani, and Ottamthullal
– Kummatti folk performances
With Athachamayam marking Atham, the first of the ten Onam days, celebrations will build steadily across Kerala over the coming days — with pookalam (flower carpets), cultural events, and shopping activity intensifying — before reaching their peak on Thiruvonam,
The Legend Behind the Festival
The festival commemorates the appearance of Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary emperor Mahabali. Onam celebrates the Asura King Mahabali’s annual visit from Patala, the underworld — and on Thiruvonam day, he is believed to visit every Malayali home to meet his people. Despite belonging to the asura clan, Mahabali is remembered as a benevolent and kind king under whom prosperity and abundance reigned.
Rituals and Traditions
- Pookalam (flower carpets): Elaborate floral designs are laid at doorsteps daily through the festival, growing more intricate as Thiruvonam approaches, welcoming Mahabali home.
- Onasadya (the grand feast): A lavish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, typically featuring over a dozen dishes, shared with family and neighbors.
- Kasavu attire: People traditionally wear new clothes on Thiruvonam, especially the cream-and-gold Kerala kasavu.
- Vallamkali (snake boat races): Spectacular boat races are held as part of the festivities, drawing large crowds along Kerala’s backwaters.
- Games and folk dances: Traditional games (Onakalikal) and dances such as Thiruvathira are performed throughout the ten days.
The festival’s spirit centers on togetherness rather than food alone — sharing the sadya generously, welcoming guests in the spirit of Mahabali’s open kingdom, and including those who might otherwise spend the day alone.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
