Onam
Kerala's major harvest and cultural festival, marked by pookalam flower designs, sadya feasts, boat races, Pulikali, and family celebrations.
Location
Kerala
Duration
10 days
Month (AD)
August/September
Next celebration
Aug 26, 2026
In 118 days
Highlights
Pookalam, Onam sadya, Vallam Kali boat races, Pulikali, folk performances, new clothing, and family gatherings.
Tips for Visitors
Reserve Kerala travel early, ask locally where public celebrations or sadya meals are open to visitors, and confirm boat-race schedules because dates vary by location.
Onam is Kerala's best-known festival and one of the most approachable regional celebrations for visitors. It is associated with harvest, the legendary return of King Mahabali, flower carpets, new clothing, temple and community events, snake-boat races, Pulikali tiger dance, and the vegetarian Onam sadya feast served on a banana leaf. The festival is statewide, so travelers can experience it through cities, villages, homestays, hotels, and cultural programs rather than one single venue.