There are festivals that are celebrated, and then there are festivals that are experienced. Onam belongs to the latter.
Every year, as the monsoon rains begin to retreat from Kerala, homes come alive with vibrant floral carpets called Pookalams, traditional music fills the air, and families gather to welcome the legendary King Mahabali. According to folklore, Onam marks the annual visit of this beloved ruler whose reign is remembered as a golden age of prosperity, equality, and happiness.
Spread over ten days, Onam is much more than a harvest festival. Each day has its own significance, with the celebrations culminating on Thiruvonam, the grandest day of the festival.
The Ten Days of Onam
1.Atham
The first day of Onam marks the beginning of the celebrations and commemorates the start of King Mahabali’s journey to visit his people. The first small Pookalam (floral carpet) is created.
- Chithira
Homes are cleaned and decorated in preparation for the festival. Additional flowers are added to the Pookalam, making it larger and more colourful.
- Chodhi (Chodi)
Families begin shopping for new clothes and festive items. The floral decorations continue to grow in size and complexity.
- Vishakam
Considered one of the most auspicious days, preparations for the grand Onam Sadya begin. Markets become lively with festive shopping.
- Anizham
This day is associated with the famous Vallam Kali (snake boat races) of Kerala, showcasing teamwork, tradition, and community spirit.
- Thriketa
Family gatherings begin as people travel home to celebrate together. Cultural activities and community events gain momentum.
- Moolam
Many temples organize special prayers and serve traditional meals. Early versions of the Sadya are often prepared and shared.
- Pooradam
Clay idols representing King Mahabali and Lord Vamana, known as Onathappan, are ceremonially installed in homes and near the Pookalam.
- Uthradam
Known as the “First Onam,” it is believed that King Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day. Families complete final preparations for the grand celebration.
- Thiruvonam
The most important day of the festival. People wear traditional attire, offer prayers, create the largest Pookalam, and enjoy the elaborate Onam Sadya with family and friends.
Together, these ten days celebrate Kerala’s harvest, cultural heritage, and the enduring memory of King Mahabali’s legendary reign of prosperity and equality.
Thousands of kilometres away from Kerala, Delhi too embraces the spirit of Onam with remarkable enthusiasm. The heart of these celebrations can be found at the Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple in Mayur Vihar
Onam celebrations at Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple, 2026
My review can be read here
Festival is celebrated with great pomp and fevor at Ayyappa Temple in R.K. Puram too, where devotees gather for prayers, cultural performances, and community feasts. The sight of intricate flower rangolis, traditional attire, and festive gatherings transforms these spaces into a little slice of Kerala in the national capital.
My review can be read here
In recent years, many restaurants across Delhi-NCR have also begun offering special Onam Sadya menus, allowing food lovers to experience this culinary tradition without travelling south. For a few days every year, banana leaves replace plates, and Delhi joins Kerala in celebrating a festival that is as much about food and culture as it is about gratitude, togetherness, and remembering a king whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Onam Sadhya at Adige Dosa House
My review of the place can be read here
Onam Sadhya at Cafe Lota
My review can be read here
Oan Sadhya at The Malabar Coast by Appaumm house
My review can be read here
As we begin this journey through the Festivals of India, there could hardly be a better starting point than Onam—a festival where history, mythology, food, faith, and community come together in a riot of colours and flavours.
Tagging my friends from Kerala @TravellerG @Rahul001 @SarathUpendran @Gouri.PS @Gurukrishnapriya to share their experiences
and the Ayyappa Temple in R.K. Puram, where devotees gather for prayers, cultural performances, and community feasts. The sight of intricate flower rangolis, traditional attire, and festive gatherings transforms these spaces into a little slice of Kerala in the national capital.
