Thiruvonam nakshatra in the month of Chingam
Onam
Also known as Thiruvonam
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala and its grandest celebration, peaking on Thiruvonam: the day the Shravana (Thiruvonam) nakshatra prevails in the Malayalam month of Chingam. It honours the homecoming of the beloved mythical king Mahabali.
2026
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
2027
Sunday, 12 September 2027
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Significance
Legend holds that the just asura king Mahabali, sent to the netherworld by Vishnu’s Vamana avatar, is granted one yearly visit to his people; Onam is Kerala welcoming its old king home to a land that still prospers in his memory. It is a secular, all-faith festival of Malayali identity.
How Onam is observed
Homes lay elaborate Pookalam flower carpets that grow over ten days; Thiruvonam brings the Onam Sadya, a vegetarian banquet of many dishes on a banana leaf, alongside Vallam Kali snake-boat races, Pulikali tiger dances and Thiruvathira.
FAQ
What is Onam celebrating?
The annual homecoming of King Mahabali, and the rice harvest: a thanksgiving and a celebration of Malayali culture across all communities.
What is the Onam Sadya?
The grand vegetarian feast of Onam, traditionally two dozen-plus dishes served on a banana leaf, eaten on Thiruvonam day.
What is a Pookalam?
The intricate circular carpet of flower petals laid at the entrance of homes through the ten days of Onam, growing larger each day.
Around the same season
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