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New Delhi: Kerala is colored in the colors of Onam today. Houses decorated with flowers, traditional dishes, cultural programs and exciting boat races add to the beauty of this festival. Onam is not just a harvest festival but also a symbol of prosperity, happiness and mutual unity. This 10-day long festival is celebrated in the Chingam month of the Malayalam solar calendar, which usually falls between August-September. According to the Drik Panchang, Thiruvonam in 2026 is being celebrated on Wednesday, August 26.

Onam 2026: History and mythology

Onam is associated with the famous king Mahabali of Kerala. It is believed that during his reign there was happiness, peace and prosperity in the state. The people loved their king very much. Worried about the increasing power of Mahabali, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. After this Vishnu took Vaman incarnation and reached King Mahabali. He asked for only three feet of land from the king.

Mahabali accepted his demand. After this Vaman assumed a huge form. In two steps he measured the earth and the sky. When there was no space left for the third step, Mahabali moved his head forward. Pleased with his devotion and sacrifice, Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that he would be able to come to earth once every year to meet his subjects. It is believed that Onam is the celebration of this annual arrival of King Mahabali.

Onam 2026: 10-day celebration

Onam celebrations start from Atham and end with Thiruvonam. During these ten days, there is a festive atmosphere in the houses and surrounding areas.

First day- Atham: It starts with puja in temples. Pookalam i.e. Rangoli of flowers is made outside the houses and new flowers are added to it every day.

Second day- Chithira: Pookalam is made bigger and more beautiful. People start preparing for puja and festivals.

Third day- Chodhi: Family members buy new clothes and festival items.

Fourth day- Visakam: Onam preparations intensify in homes and shopping increases in the markets.

Day five- Anizham: The famous Vallamkali i.e. snake boat race is held in the backwaters of Kerala.

Sixth day- Triketa: Cultural programs, music and traditional performances take place at the community level.

Seventh day- Moolam: Attractive Pookalams are made in homes and public places.

Eighth Day- Purdam: Pyramid-like idols are made of clay, which are placed in Pookalam as per the tradition associated with Mahabali and Vamana.

Ninth Day- Uthradam: This is considered the first Onam. People clean the houses and complete the final preparations.

Tenth Day- Thiruvonam: This is the most special day of Onam. Families perform puja and decorate Pookalam. Traditional Onam Sadhya is also prepared on this day, in which a variety of vegetarian dishes are served on banana leaves.