Onam — ମହତ୍ତ୍ୱ
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrating the annual visit of King Mahabali (Maveli). It marks the homecoming of the beloved demon king and the bounty of the harvest season.
Onam — ମହତ୍ତ୍ୱ
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the asura king Mahabali (Bali) was pushed into the netherworld by Vamana (Vishnu's dwarf avatar). Pleased with Bali's devotion, Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his people once a year. Onam is that day when Kerala welcomes him with feasts and flowers.
Onam — ପୂଜା ବିଧି
- At dawn, draw Pookalam (flower rangoli) at the entrance; add a new layer each day during the ten-day celebration.
- Prepare the Onam sadya (feast) with traditional dishes on banana leaves.
- Wear new clothes (Kasavu saree or mundu); participate in Vallam Kali (boat race) if available.
- Perform Thrikkakarayappan (Vamana) puja; swing and sing Onam songs (Onappattu).
- On Thiruvonam day, lay the full sadya and welcome King Mahabali.
Onam — ମନ୍ତ୍ର
ॐ नमो भगवते वामनाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāmanāya
Salutations to Lord Vamana
Onam — ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଖାଦ୍ୟ
- ●Onam Sadya (multiple courses)
- ●Parippu curry
- ●Sambar
- ●Avial
- ●Payasam
- ●Banana
Onam — ଅନ୍ୟ ନାମ
Kerala
Pookalam, Sadya, Vallam Kali, Pulikali
Tamil Nadu (Kerala diaspora)
Similar observance
Onam — କରିବା ଉଚିତ / କରିବା ଅନୁଚିତ
କରିବା ଉଚିତ
- ✓Draw Pookalam
- ✓Prepare or partake in Sadya
- ✓Wear traditional dress
- ✓Welcome the spirit of Mahabali
କରିବା ଅନୁଚିତ
- ✗Do not skip the flower arrangement
- ✗Avoid disrespect to the tradition
- ✗Do not waste the feast
Onam — FAQ
- Onam କଣ?
- Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrating the annual visit of King Mahabali (Maveli).
- Onam 2026 କେବେ?
- 2026ରେ Onam Wednesday, August 26, 2026ରେ ପଡ଼ିବ।
- What are the Onam puja rituals?
- At dawn, draw Pookalam (flower rangoli) at the entrance; add a new layer each day during the ten-day celebration.; Prepare the Onam sadya (feast) with traditional dishes on banana leaves.; Wear new clothes (Kasavu saree or mundu); participate in Vallam Kali (boat race) if available.; Perform Thrikkakarayappan (Vamana) puja; swing and sing Onam songs (Onappattu).
- What to eat on Onam?
- Onam Sadya (multiple courses), Parippu curry, Sambar, Avial, Payasam
- What should you do on Onam?
- Draw Pookalam; Prepare or partake in Sadya; Wear traditional dress
- What should you avoid on Onam?
- Do not skip the flower arrangement; Avoid disrespect to the tradition; Do not waste the feast
- Onam ଦିନ କେଉଁ ଦେବତାଙ୍କୁ ପୂଜା କରାଯାଏ?
- Onam Vishnuଙ୍କୁ ଉତ୍ସର୍ଗ।
Upcoming Onam Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Onam is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 26, 2026 | Wednesday | 05:50 pm | — |
| Sep 12, 2027 | Sunday | 04:29 pm | — |