During Onam, Kerala becomes especially festive, with colorful Pookalams at entrances, traditional family feasts, busy markets, and statewide cultural events. Although Thiruvonam is the main day, Onam traditions unfold over 10 days. The main Onam holiday period in Kerala spans August 25 to 28, from First Onam to Fourth Onam, with the main day falling on Wednesday, August 26 20206.
When Is Onam And Thiruvonam In 2026?
First Onam (Uthradam) is on August 25, Thiruvonam, which is the second and the main day of Onam, will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26, followed by Third Onam on August 27 and Fourth Onam on August 28. There can be some confusion around the starting date. The 10-day calendar in the brief places Atham on August 17, while the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura takes place on August 16 because the Atham nakshatra begins the previous evening. As a result, some calendars list August 16 as the beginning. Both calculations place Thiruvonam on August 26.
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What Is Onam And Why Is It Celebrated?
Onam is Kerala’s famous harvest festival, celebrated during Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. The festival draws its cultural significance from the legend of King Mahabali, who, according to tradition, returns to Kerala each year during Onam. Families welcome his homecoming with elaborate floral decorations, festive feasts, traditional activities, and joyful gatherings. Beyond its mythological roots, Onam holds a special place in Kerala’s cultural identity, bringing Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities together in celebration.
Want to celebrate Onam in Kerala? Experience the festivities, traditions, and cultural celebrations that bring the state alive.
10-Day Onam 2026 Festival Calendar
Each day brings its own unique customs, building excitement as the grand celebration of Thiruvonam approaches.
- Day 1, Atham, August 17: Atham starts the 10-day festival. Families make the first Pookalam, usually a small floral design with yellow flowers. In 2026, the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura will be on August 16, since the Atham nakshatra begins the night before.
- Day 2, Chithira, August 18: Families focus on getting their homes ready for the festival. They clean the house, polish brass lamps, and add another ring of flowers to the Pookalam, making it more colorful.
- Day 3, Chodhi, August 19: Onam shopping really gets going. Families buy Onakkodi, the new clothes for the festival, and Kerala kasavu outfits are a popular choice.
- Day 4, Vishakam, August 20: Getting ready for the feast becomes the main focus. Markets are busy with people buying plantains, yam, ash gourd, coconut, jackfruit, and other ingredients for the traditional Onam Sadya.
- Day 5, Anizham, August 21: Anizham highlights Kerala’s famous boat races. Snake boat (chundan vallam) crews practice and hold trial runs on the waterways before the big Vallam Kali events.
- Day 6, Thriketta, August 22: Families start coming home for Onam, making the day feel like a reunion. Traditional Onakalikal games, like tug-of-war, add to the fun.
- Day 7, Moolam, August 23: Food and cultural traditions become more important. Temples start serving Onasadya, families hold smaller feasts, and people practice traditional dances like Kaikottikali.
- Day 8, Pooradam, August 24: Small Onathappan idols of Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the center of the Pookalam. By now, the floral design is much bigger and more colorful than the simple one made on Atham.
- Day 9, Uthradam, August 25: Called First Onam, Uthradam is one of the busiest days for getting ready. Families wrap up their shopping and Sadya preparations, and the Pookalam nears completion. Tradition says Mahabali arrives this evening.
- Day 10, Thiruvonam, August 26: This is the most important day of the festival. Families wear new Onakkodi, make offerings, finish their Pookalams, and come together for the big Onam Sadya.
What Happens On Thiruvonam?
Thiruvonam starts with traditions like taking an early oil bath, wearing new Onakkodi, and making offerings to Onathappan. By now, the Pookalam has reached its final, full form. Families come together for the Onam Sadya, a big vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. The celebrations often continue with dances, games, and visits with loved ones.
Travelling home for Onam? Indian Railways will operate 112 special train trips to Kerala for Onam 2026.
What Are The Major Onam Events in Kerala in 2026?
Travelers can enjoy several major cultural events during the festival:
- Athachamayam: August 16 in Thripunithura
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race: August 22 at Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
- Thrikkakara Temple Festival: August 23 to 26
- Onam Week Celebrations: August 24 to 30 in Thiruvananthapuram
- Pulikali: August 29 in Thrissur
- Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race: August 30 in Aranmula
What Is An Onam Sadya?
The Onam Sadya is one of the most important traditions of Thiruvonam. It is an elaborate vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, bringing together multiple curries, vegetable preparations, pickles, accompaniments, rice, and desserts. A traditional Sadya can feature 24 to 28 dishes, while simpler versions prepared at home may include around 20. The dishes also have designated positions on the banana leaf and are eaten in a particular sequence, allowing different flavors to complement one another.
A typical Onam Sadya can include:
- Crisps and Accompaniments: Upperi or banana chips, Sarkara Varatti, and Pappadam.
- Pickles and Tangy Sides: Inji Puli, Manga Achar, and Naranga Achar add sweet, sour, spicy, and sharp notes to the meal.
- Vegetable Preparations: Thoran, Avial, Olan, Erissery, Kalan, and Koottu Curry bring a mix of coconut-rich, mildly spiced, and savory flavors.
- Rice and Curries: Matta rice forms the heart of the meal and is served with Parippu and ghee, followed by preparations such as Sambar, Pulissery, and Rasam.
- Payasam: The feast ends on a sweet note with varieties such as Ada Pradhaman, Parippu Payasam, Palada, or Semiya Payasam.
- The Finish: Morum Vellam, a spiced buttermilk drink, traditionally rounds off the meal.
Curious about Onam Sadhya? Discover what the traditional dishes served on a banana leaf represent during the festival.
Summing Up
Thiruvonam 2026 is on Wednesday, August 26, but Onam is much more than just one day. From making the first Pookalam and shopping for Onakkodi to boat races, family gatherings, performances, and the final Onam Sadya, every part adds to the festival. For travelers, Onam is a great chance to see Kerala’s food, traditions, art, and community celebrations all come together during one of the state’s biggest festivals.
