Onam is one of the festivals of Kerala. All Keralites irrespective of cast and creed celebrate it. It occurs in the Malayalam month of Chingam, the Shravan day in the month of August or September. The ceremonies begin from the lunar asterism Atham, which falls 10 days before asterism Thiruvonam. The preparations for the celebration of Thiruvonam begin on the Atham day. Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival. From Atham to Thiruvonam people make floral decorations in the front of their homes.


This year Onam is coming in the last week of August. The 1st or "onnaam onam" is on 27th August and the Thiruvonam is on 28th of August. Avani Avittom is coming in the 29th and the fourth onam or "naalam onam" is on 30th. The celebration starts 10 days before Thiruvonam. Onam celebration in Thiruvananthapuram, Trichur etc are especially spectacular. The government and the tourism department had already made arrangements to welcome this festival. They use this chance to promote tourism, and also, many cultural programmes are organized. The State government itself has taken initiative to celebrate Onam season as tourist festival with a view to attract tourists.

Celebrations: Onam is a time of celebration. It is a time of family get-together among Keralites. All the members of the larger family get together at their 'tharavadu'. The most important days of onam festival are Uthradom, and Thiruvonam. In every house, we can see beautiful "athapookalams". Usually it is prepared by children and women. They prepare them in various patterns and designs.

The members of the family give onam gifts to one another. Kerala sarees, set mundu double dhotis etc are the main gift articles. The business people take advantage of onam celebrations by selling different items.

On the Thiruvonam day, people entertain themselves and others by participating in different programmes. They wake up early in the morning, take bath, and wear new dresses. A rich meal comprising of delicious items are prepared and served at homes, in plantain leaves. The lunch consists of 21 curries and three different types of 'payasams'.

In the afternoon, after lunch, all the members gather in the courtyard and engage in different forms of entertainment. The chief highlights of the festival are Thiruvathira, Kathakali, Oonjaalattom, Pulikali, Kaduvakali etc.

In connection with the celebrations, boat races are conducted all over Kerala. The famous among them are Nehru Trophy boat race, Aranmula boat race, etc. Besides, various arts clubs also conduct boat races.