View source for Onam

{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Short description|Harvest festival in Kerala, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox holiday
| image         = Onapookkalam.jpg
| caption       = The ''pookkalam'' is an Onam tradition.
| holiday_name  = Onam
| observedby    = [[Malayalis]]
| date          = Multi-day
| observances   = {{ubl|[[Sadya]]|[[Thiruvathira#Significance in Kerala|Thiruvathira Kali]]|[[Puli Kali]]|[[Vallamkali]]}}
| duration      = 10 days
| relatedto     = [[Balipratipada]]
| frequency     = Annual
| startedby     = 
| begins        = ''Chingam'' ([[siṃha]]) masam, Atham ([[Hasta (nakshatra)|hastā]]) nakshatram
| ends          = ''Chingam'' ([[siṃha]]) masam, Thiruvonam ([[Shraavana|śrāvaṇa]]) nakshatram
| firsttime     = 
| scheduling    = 
| month         = 
| weekday       = 
| alt           = 
| celebrations  = 
| litcolor      = 
| nickname      = 
| official_name = Onam, Thiruvonam<ref>[https://www.kerala.gov.in/documents/10180/598db490-1f6f-40e6-8de2-519ac7d81a6c Government of Kerala] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208122153/https://kerala.gov.in//documents/10180/598db490-1f6f-40e6-8de2-519ac7d81a6c |date=8 February 2021 }}, Official Holidays 2017</ref>
| type          = [[Hindu]] religious festival, [[Harvest festival]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ann Morrill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Xde_E7-r50C |title=Thanksgiving and Other Harvest Festivals |publisher=Infobase Publishing |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4381-2797-2 |pages=46, 49–50}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Chopra |first=Prabha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yAgMAAAAIAAJ |title=Encyclopaedia of India |year=1988 |page=285 |quote=Onam – Most important festival of Kerala; held in Chingam (August–September)}}</ref>
}}

'''Onam''' ({{IPA|ml|oːɳɐm|IPA}}) is an annual harvest and [[Hindus|Hindu]] cultural festival<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Mahendra|title=Dalit's Inheritance in Hindu Religion|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|publication-place=Delhi|date=2006|isbn=978-81-7835-517-7|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=McLeod|first=John|title=Modern India|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA|date=2019-11-15|isbn=979-8-216-11861-9|page=}}</ref> celebrated mostly by the people of [[Kerala]] and is traditionally associated with the legend of the benevolent [[Asura]] King [[Mahabali]], who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kurup |first=A.M. |date=1977 |title=The Sociology of Onam |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41919319 |journal=Indian Anthropologist |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=95–110 |jstor=41919319 |issn=0970-0927}}</ref><ref name="cush-2012">{{Cite book |last1=Cush |first1=Denise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kzPgCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA574 |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Robinson |first2=Catherine |last3=York |first3=Michael |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-135-18979-2 |pages=573–574 |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece Mahabali comes calling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103042/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece |date=22 August 2023 }}, The Hindu, Neeti Sarkar (5 September 2014)</ref> A major annual event for [[Malayalis|Keralites]], it is the official festival of the state<ref name="cush-2012" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Subhashini |date=31 August 2020 |title=Despite Sangh Efforts to Project it as 'Hindu' Festival, Story of Onam Prevails in Kerala |url=https://thewire.in/society/kerala-onam-festival |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812214846/https://thewire.in/society/kerala-onam-festival |archive-date=12 August 2021 |access-date=12 August 2021 |website=TheWire |language=en-US}}</ref> and includes a spectrum of cultural events.<ref name="m nazeer-2010">{{Cite news |last=M. Nazeer |date=10 August 2010 |title=The abiding lore and spirit of Onam |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/the-abiding-lore-and-spirit-of-onam/article583395.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103045/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/The-abiding-lore-and-spirit-of-Onam/article16138152.ece |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=26 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Peter J. Claus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC&pg=PA454 |title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia |last2=Sarah Diamond |last3=Margaret Ann Mills |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-415-93919-5 |page=454}}</ref><ref name="cush-2012" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hospital |first=Clifford |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wz8qAAAAYAAJ |title=The Righteous Demon: A Study of Bali |date=1984 |publisher=University of British Columbia Press |isbn=978-0-7748-0187-4}}</ref>

In 1961, during the tenure of Chief Minister [[Pattom A. Thanu Pillai|Pattom Thanu Pillai]], Onam was officially declared the national festival of Kerala. However, in the following year, large-scale celebrations were curtailed due to the [[Indo-China War of 1962|Indo–China War]]. Despite this interruption, the government’s declaration marked a turning point, and from then onwards Onam gradually developed into a grand public festival celebrated across the state and among the [[Malayali diaspora]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Onam Celebrations | publisher=Kerala Tourism (Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala) | accessdate=26 August 2025 | url=https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/onam-festivals/onam-celebrations }}</ref>

== Hindu mythology ==
[[File:Onapottan.jpg|thumb|[[Onapottan]], a mute folk character of North Malabar, symbolizes King Mahabali visiting homes during Onam with a palm-leaf umbrella and bell, blessing people in silence]]
Onam commemorates the return of the generous [[daitya]] king [[Mahabali]] after he was banished to the netherworld by [[Vamana]] (the fifth [[avatar]] of Hindu deity [[Vishnu]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kalidasan |first=Vinod Kottayil |date=2015-04-01 |title=A king lost and found: Revisiting the popular and the tribal myths of Mahabali from Kerala |url=https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/safm.7.1-2.103_1 |journal=Studies in South Asian Film & Media |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1–2 |pages=103–118 |doi=10.1386/safm.7.1-2.103_1 |issn=1756-4921|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=THOMAS |first=NEVILLE |title=Festivals and Culinary Carnivalesque: Analyzing 'Onam' as Celebration of Food and Identity |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350135352 |journal=American College Journal of English Language and Literatur |pages=72 |via=researchgate.net}}</ref><ref name="j gordon melton-2011">{{Cite book |last=J. Gordon Melton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&pg=PA659 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-206-7 |page=659}}</ref><ref name="ritty a lukose-2009">{{Cite book |last=Ritty A. Lukose |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5gNOdw9E_0C |title=Liberalization's Children: Gender, Youth, and Consumer Citizenship in Globalizing India |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-8223-9124-1 |pages=164, 182–183, context: 179–183 |access-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103043/https://books.google.com/books?id=R5gNOdw9E_0C |archive-date=22 August 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Hindu mythology|Hindu legends]], after [[Indra]] (the king of the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]]) is defeated by Mahabali (the king of the [[asura]]s), the devas ultimately seek refuge in Vishnu, who agrees to restore Indra to power. To do so, Vishnu incarnates as a dwarf priest called Vamana. Mahabali (himself a devotee of Vishnu) conducts [[Yajna|ritual prayers]], one of which is attended by Vamana, who requests only three feet (steps) of land to build a [[Vedi (altar)|fire-altar]]. Mahabali agrees, despite being told about Vamana's divine nature by the sage [[Shukra]]. Vamana grows in size, and in three strides, encompasses all of the universe and beyond. The three worlds are restored to Indra, and Mahabali and the asuras are banished to the netherworld ([[Patala]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=28 January 2019 |title=Story of Vāmana |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc242041.html |access-date=27 November 2022 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cole |first1=Owen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mt_itliEnRQC&dq=vamana+avatar+legend&pg=PT30 |title=Hinduism – An Introduction |last2=Kanit |first2=V. P. Hermant |date=25 June 2010 |publisher=John Murray Press |isbn=978-1-4441-3100-0 |pages=30 |language=en}}</ref> However, witnessing Mahabali's love for his subjects, Vamana grants the king's sole wish to visit his kingdom once every year. This homecoming of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam in Kerala every year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 August 2012 |title=Onam: The legend behind Kerala's state festival |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/onam-the-legend-behind-keralas-state-festival-500288.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817042542/https://www.news18.com/news/india/onam-the-legend-behind-keralas-state-festival-500288.html |archive-date=17 August 2022 |access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="ritty a lukose-2009" />

The date of Onam celebration is based on the [[Panchangam|Panchāngam]], and falls on the 22nd [[nakshatra]] [[Shravana|Thiruvonam]] in the month ''Chingam'' of the [[Malayalam calendar]], which in the [[Gregorian calendar]] falls between August–September.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Onam Festival – Onam in India, Onamfestival.org |url=http://www.onamfestival.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103053/http://www.onamfestival.org/ |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=www.onamfestival.org}}</ref><ref name="cush-2012" />

== History ==
[[File:Vamana teaching King Mahabali Wellcome V0050544.jpg|thumb|Vamana teaching king Mahabali, 1672 Dutch painting]]
The festival has ancient origins and is intricately linked with [[Hindu mythology]].<ref name="am kurup-1977" /> Literary and epigraphical evidence suggests that Onam has a long religious context and history in Kerala and neighbouring parts of South India:<ref name="am kurup-1977">{{Cite journal |last=A.M. Kurup |year=1977 |title=The Sociology of Onam |journal=Indian Anthropologist |volume=7 |pages=95–110 |jstor=41919319 |number=2}}</ref>
* The earliest known reference to the word Onam as a celebration is found in ''[[Maturaikkāñci]]'' – a Sangam era [[Tamil language|Tamil]] poem from the 3rd century CE. It mentions a festival called Onam being celebrated in dedication to Mayon (Vishnu) in [[Madurai]], when games and duels were held in temple premises, oblations were sent to the temples, people wore new clothes and feasted.
* The 8th-century [[Alvar]] mystic saint [[Nammalvar]] mentions "the one who measured the three worlds", a parallel to the legend of Mahabali and Vamana.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Digital Library |url=https://www.tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/book/TVA_BOK_0002772/TVA_BOK_0002772_Some_aspects_of_kerala_and_tamil_literature_-_II.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824090835/https://www.tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/book/TVA_BOK_0002772/TVA_BOK_0002772_Some_aspects_of_kerala_and_tamil_literature_-_II.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=24 August 2023}}</ref>
* The 9th-century ''Pathikas'' and ''Pallads'' by [[Periyalvar]] describes Onam celebrations and offerings to Vishnu, and mentions feasts and community events.
* An 11th-century inscription in the [[Thrikkakara Temple]] (Kochi) dedicated to Vamana – an avatar of Vishnu – mentions a series of offerings made by a votary over two days prior and on Thiru Onam.
* A 12th-century inscription in the [[Sreevallabha Temple|Tiruvalla Temple]], one of the largest Hindu temples in Kerala dedicated to Vishnu, mentions Onam and states a donation was made to the temple as the Onam festival offering.
* [[Uddanda Shastri]], a southern Indian [[Sanskrit]] poet visiting the court of the [[Zamorin]], wrote about a festival called ''śrāvaṇa''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rajendran |first=Chettiarthodi |title=A Scholar Poet from the Neighbouring Land: Uddaṇḍa Śāstrin's Perceptions of Kerala |url=https://journals.akademicka.pl/cis/article/view/1509/1359 |url-status=live |journal=Cracow Indological Studies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103051/https://journals.akademicka.pl/cis/article/download/1509/1359 |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=13 August 2021}}</ref> It is presumed that this verse is about the festival of Onam as the word Onam (or Thiruvonam) is the Tamil/Malayalam form of the ''śrāvaṇa'' nakshatra mentioned in Indian astronomy:
<blockquote>चोकुयन्ते पृथुकततयश्चापतादिन्य उच्चैः सर्वानार्यःपतिभिरनिशम् लम्भयन्त्यर्थकामान्।

बभ्रम्यन्ते सकलपुरुषैर्वल्लभाभ्यः प्रदातुम् चित्रम् वस्त्रम् श्रावणकुतुकम् वर्तते केरळेषु॥

''Gangs of lads, playing their bows hoot loudly again and again; All women make their husbands provide wealth and pleasure; All men are wandering hither and thither to present beautiful garments to their women. The festivity of 'Sravana' takes place in Kerala''.</blockquote>
* A 16th-century European memoir describes Onam. It mentions among other things that Onam is always celebrated in September, and that the Malayali people adorn their homes with flowers and daub them with cow's dung, believing in its auspicious association with the goddess [[Lakshmi]].

According to Kurup, Onam has been historically a Hindu temple-based community festival celebrated over a period of many days.<ref name="am kurup-1977" />

== Celebrations, rituals and practices ==
Onam falls in the month of ''Chingam'', which is the first month according to the [[Malayalam calendar|Malayalam Calendar]]. The celebrations mark the Malayalam New Year, are spread over ten days, and conclude with Thiruvonam. The ten days are sequentially known as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam and Thiruvonam. The first and the last day are particularly important in Kerala and to Malayalee communities elsewhere.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" />

The Atham day is marked with the start of festivities at [[Thrikkakara Temple|Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple, Kochi]]. This Vishnu temple is considered as the focal centre of Onam and the abode of Mahabali, with the raising of the festival flag.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 August 2014 |title=Myth, mystique and traditions of Onam |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/myth-mystique-and-traditions-of-onam/article2433921.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001124912/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/myth-mystique-and-traditions-of-onam/article2433921.ece |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=The Hindu |location=Kochi, India}}</ref> Parades are held, which are colourful and depict the elements of Kerala culture with floats and tableaux.<ref name="pti-2010">{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=14 August 2010 |title='Athachamayam' Festivities held at Tripunithura |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/athachamayam-festivities-held-at-tripunithura/article570765.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232749/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/athachamayam-festivities-held-at-tripunithura/article570765.ece |archive-date=2 February 2014 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

Other days have a diverse range of celebrations and activities ranging from boat races, cultural programs, sports competitions, dance events, martial arts, ''pookkalam'' (a [[flower carpet]]), prayers, shopping, donating time or food for charity to spending time with family over feasts. Men and women wear traditional dress. The [[Kerala sari]] or Kasavu sari is particularly wore on this day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 2016 |title=Say it in gold and off-white |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/say-it-in-gold-and-offwhite/article9104929.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103601/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Say-it-in-gold-and-off-white/article14636670.ece |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=14 September 2016 |work=The Hindu |location=Kochi, India}}</ref>

=== ''Athachamayam'' ===
[[File:Athachamayam 3.JPG|thumb|Onam starts off every year with a parade called Athachamayam.]]
[[File:Athachamayam - അത്തച്ചമയം - Wiki Loves Onam 2024.webm|thumb|Athachamayam 2024 Video]]
The Onam celebrations across the state starts off with a grand procession at [[Thrippunithura]] near Kochi called Atthachamayam, also referred to as ''Thripunithura Athachamayam''. The parade features decorated elephants marching, drum beats and other music, folk art forms, floats and colourfully dressed people with masks.<ref>[https://www.keralatourism.org/video-clips/athachamayam-thripunithura/177 Thripunithura Athachamayam] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303043138/https://www.keralatourism.org/video-clips/athachamayam-thripunithura/177 |date=3 March 2017 }}, Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala</ref> In Kerala's history, the [[Kingdom of Cochin|Kochi king]] used to head a grand military procession in full ceremonial robes from his palace to the Thrikkakara temple, meeting and greeting his people. In contemporary times, this a state-supported event.<ref name="pti-2010" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 2016 |title=And Onam is here, officially |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/and-onam-is-here-officially/article9070413.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904013728/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/and-onam-is-here-officially/article9070413.ece |archive-date=4 September 2016 |access-date=14 September 2016 |work=The Hindu |location=Kochi, India}}</ref>

The parade floats traditionally feature scenes from epics such as the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and the ''[[Ramayana]]''. Additionally, some floats include themes from the ''[[Bible]]'' as well as current themes thereby highlighting unity and harmony.<ref name="athachamayam">[http://www.athachamayam.com/ Athachamayam: a festival of generations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903184229/http://www.athachamayam.com/ |date=3 September 2019 }}, Athachamayam, Trippunithura Municipality (2015)</ref>

The procession path historically has been from Tripunithura to the Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam district. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar. After arrival at the temple, the marchers offer a prayer.<ref name="athachamayam" />

=== ''Pookkalam'' ===
[[File:Onapookkalam 2024 01.jpg|thumb|onapookkalam by students in school]]
''Onapookkalam'', ''Athapookkalam'' or just ''Pookkalam'',<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ann Morrill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Xde_E7-r50C&pg=PA49 |title=Thanksgiving and Other Harvest Festivals |publisher=Infobase Publishing |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4381-2797-2 |pages=49–50}}</ref> is a [[flower carpet]], generally circular, made out of gathered blossoms. Several varieties of flowers of differing tints are pinched up into little pieces to create patterns on the floor, particularly at entrances and temple premises. Lamps may be arranged in the middle or edges. It is typically the team initiative of girls and women, who accomplish it with a delicate touch and a personal artistic sense of tone and blending.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stephen P. Huyler |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c1AJYJecU48C |title=Painted Prayers: Women's Art in Village India |publisher=St Martins Press |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-8478-1809-9 |page=191}}</ref> When completed, a miniature pandal (umbrella) hung with little festoons may be erected over it.<ref name="team metroplus-2013">{{Cite news |last=Team MetroPlus |date=15 September 2013 |title=The feel of Onam |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/the-feel-of-onam/article5128729.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917063913/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/the-feel-of-onam/article5128729.ece |archive-date=17 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

The traditional ritual of laying pookkalam starts on Atham day. The pookkalam on this day is called Athapoo, and it is relatively small in size. The size of the pookkalam grows in size progressively with each day of the Onam festival. Only yellow flowers will be used on Atham with only one circular layer made and the design is kept simple. Statues or figurines of Mahabali and Vamana are also installed at the entrance of each house on this day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2020 |title=Onam Pookalam: Know everything about its significance and check out some Thiruvonam pookolam images |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/onam-pookalam-know-everything-about-its-significance-and-check-out-some-images/645156 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831113241/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/onam-pookalam-know-everything-about-its-significance-and-check-out-some-images/645156 |archive-date=31 August 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020 |website=www.timesnownews.com}}</ref>

Traditionally, Atthapookalams included flowers endemic to Kerala and the [[Dasapushpam|Dashapushpam]] (10-flowers), but nowadays all varieties of flowers are used.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 September 2009 |title='Athappookalam' losing traditional verve |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/athappookalam-losing-traditional-verve/article173569.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103603/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/lsquoAthappookalamrsquo-losing-traditional-verve/article16506033.ece |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing [[Mahabali]] and [[Vamana]] are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house along with the Pookalam, and beautifully decorated with flowers. All over Kerala, ''Pookalam'' competitions are a common sight on Onam day.<ref name="pti-2010" />

=== Music and dance ===
[[File:തിരുവാതിര കളി 3.JPG|right|thumb|Thiruvathira Kali dance during Onam.]]
[[File:Kummattikali - കുമ്മാട്ടിക്കളി - Wiki Loves Onam 2024.webm|thumb|right|Kummattikali 2024]]
Traditional dance forms including ''Thiruvathira'', ''Kummattikali'', ''Pulikali'', ''Thumbi Thullal'', ''Onam Kali'' and others. [[Thiruvathira]] Kali is a women's dance performed in a circle around a lamp. [[Kummattikali]] is a colourful-mask dance. In [[Thrissur]], festivities include a procession consisting of caparisoned elephants surrounded by Kummatikali dancers. The masked dancers go from house to house performing the colourful [[Kummattikali]]. Onam Kali is a form of dance where players arrange themselves in circles around a pole or tree or lamp, then dance and sing songs derived from the ''Ramayana'' and other epics.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

[[File:Kathakali DSC 0109 1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.7|[[Kathakali]] performances are a part of Onam tradition.<ref>{{Cite book |last=D. Appukuttan Nair |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P0jkAAAAMAAJ |title=Kathakali, the Art of the Non-worldly |publisher=Marg Publications |year=1993 |isbn=978-81-85026-22-0 |page=47}}</ref>]]
[[Kathakali]] dance is also commonly performed during this time, with dancers enacting characters from the various Ancient Indian legends.<ref name="the hindu-2011">{{Cite news |date=11 September 2011 |title=Thiruvonam celebrated with enthusiasm |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2444007.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926054512/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2444007.ece |archive-date=26 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> A famous venue for this is at [[Valluvanad (southern Malabar)|Valluvanad]] which is associated with the growth of Kathakali,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vinu Vasudevan |date=9 May 2013 |title=Majestic portrayals |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/theatre/majestic-portrayals/article4698708.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922085430/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/theatre/majestic-portrayals/article4698708.ece |archive-date=22 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> and [[Cheruthuruthy]], where [[Kerala Kalamandalam]] is located.

=== ''Pulikali'': tiger dance ===
[[File:Pulikkali by Animesh Xavier.JPG|right|thumb|''Pulikali'' is a dance in tiger costumes.]]
[[File:Pulikkali - പുലിക്കളി.webm|Pulikali from Thrissur in 2024|right|thumb]]

[[Pulikali]], also known as [[Kaduvakali]] is a common sight during the Onam season. This dance showcases performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, who dance to the beats of instruments like Chenda and Thakil. This folk art is mainly performed in the cultural district of Thrissur and thousands pour into the city to be a part of this art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Covid pandemic hinders Onam festivities; Thrissur to give Pulikali a miss |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/life-leisure/covid-pandemic-hinders-onam-festivities-thrissur-to-give-pulikali-a-miss-1.5008169 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030081804/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/life-leisure/covid-pandemic-hinders-onam-festivities-thrissur-to-give-pulikali-a-miss-1.5008169 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref>

Performances of the ritual worship dance, [[Theyyam]], are given during the Onam season.<ref name="m nazeer-2010" /> In this, Mahabali is played by the Onathar. Its variations include characters such as ''Oneswaran'' and ''Onapottan''.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

At the Thrikkakara temple, every day of the festival showcases one or more of these activities including Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Chakyar Koothu, Ottam Thullal, Patakam, Onam songs, and percussion instrument shows.<ref name="the hindu-2011" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 August 2010 |title=Ritual lunch marks Onam at Thrikkakara |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article591008.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005103818/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article591008.ece |archive-date=5 October 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> The Onasadya here is grand in scale, and is attended by over ten thousand people from all religions and faiths.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2011 |title=Grandeur marks Onam celebrations at Thrikkakkara temple |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2443999.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926054332/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2443999.ece |archive-date=26 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> Festivities include Puli Kali (masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali which are performed in various functions. The official Government celebrations start on this day with heavy illuminations in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kochi]] and [[Kozhikode]] along with fireworks.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Most cities in Kerala, such as the political, commercial and cultural capitals, [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kochi]] and [[Thrissur]], are lit up with lights and fabulous displays of fireworks. Sumptuous Onam Sadya feasts are prepared. In Thrikkakara temple, a mega-feast is conducted, which is open to the public and is attended by more than twenty thousand people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 August 2013 |title=Thrikkakara temple gears up for Onam |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/thrikkakara-temple-gears-up-for-onam/article5031220.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019091739/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/thrikkakara-temple-gears-up-for-onam/article5031220.ece |archive-date=19 October 2013 |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

=== ''Vallamkali'': boat race ===
[[File:An Onam boat race collage Kerala India.jpg|thumb|450px|An Onam boat race]]
[[File:Nehru Trophy Boat Race - നെഹ്‌റു ട്രോഫി വള്ളംകളി - Wiki Loves Onam 2024.webm|thumb|right|Nehru trophy boat race 2024 at Punnamada lake Alappuzha]]

The ''[[Vallamkali]]'' (the snake boat race) is another event that is synonymous with Onam. Well-known races include the  [[Aranmula Boat Race|Aranmula Uthrattadhi Boat Race]] and the [[Nehru Trophy Boat Race]]. Numerous oarsmen row huge snake-shaped boats. Men and women come from far and near to watch and cheer the snake boat race through the water. This event is particularly featured on the [[Pampa River]], considered sacred.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" />

As a tribute to the traditional snake boat race, a similar snake boat race is also held by the Malayali diaspora in Singapore annually during Onam at the [[Jurong Lake]].<ref name="asia one news-2012">{{Cite web |date=7 September 2012 |title=Onam celebrated in S'pore |url=https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120907-370160.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223175050/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120907-370160.html |archive-date=23 December 2016 |access-date=30 December 2012 |publisher=Asia One news}}</ref>

=== ''Onam Sadya'' ===
[[File:Sadhya DSW.jpg|thumb|Sadya is the traditional nine or more course vegetarian meal served on banana leaf.]]
[[File:Onam Sadya (15164960372).jpg|thumb|Onam harvest festival is marked with a special feast lunch on last day and includes rice and a sweet at the end.]]
[[File:Valla Sadhya - വള്ളസദ്യ - Wiki Loves Onam 2024.webm|thumb|right|Vallasadya at Aranmula]]
The ''Onam [[sadya]]'' (feast) is another indispensable part of Onam,<ref name="team metroplus-2013" /> and almost every Keralite either makes or attends one. The Onasadya reflects the spirit of the season and is traditionally made with seasonal vegetables such as yam, cucumber, ash gourd and so on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Onam Festival |url=https://rove.me/to/kerala/onam-festival |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725183934/https://rove.me/to/kerala/onam-festival |archive-date=25 July 2018 |access-date=24 July 2018}}</ref> The feast is served on plantain leaves and consists of nine courses, but may include over two dozen dishes, including (but not limited to):<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2014 |title=Kerala gets ready for 26 dish Onam sadya |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/kerala-gets-ready-for-26-dish-onam-sadya/article6379219.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415082531/https://www.thehindu.com/features/kerala-gets-ready-for-26-dish-onam-sadya/article6379219.ece |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=4 September 2014}}</ref> Chips (especially [[Banana chip]]s), Sharkaraveratti (Fried pieces of banana coated with jaggery),<ref name="n satyendran-2010" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2013 |title=Sarkara varatti recipe |url=http://www.cheenachatti.com/recipe/kerala-style-sarkara-varatti-recipe-banana-chips-with-jaggery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103603/https://www.cheenachatti.com/recipe/kerala-style-sarkara-varatti-recipe-banana-chips-with-jaggery/ |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=30 October 2015 |publisher=Cheena Chatti}}</ref> [[Pappadam]], various vegetable and soups such as [[Injipuli]] (also called PuliInji), [[Thoran]], [[Mezhukkupuratti]], [[Kaalan]], [[Olan (dish)|Olan]], [[Avial]], [[Sambar (dish)|Sambhar]], [[Dal]] served along with a small quantity of [[ghee]], Erisheri, Molosyam, [[Rasam (dish)|Rasam]], Puliseri (also referred to as Velutha curry), Kichadi (not to be confused with [[Khichdi]]) and [[Pachadi]] (its sweet variant), Moru ([[buttermilk]] or curd mixed with water), Pickles both sweet and sour, and coconut chutney. The feast ends with a series of dessert called [[Kheer|Payasam]] (a sweet dish made of milk, sugar, jaggery, and other traditional Indian savouries) eaten either straight or mixed with ripe small plantain. The curries are served with rice, usually the 'Kerala Matta' parboiled rice preferred in Kerala.<ref name="n satyendran-2010" />

In hotels and temples, the number of curries and dishes may go up to 30. The importance of the feast to Kerala's Onam celebration culture is captured in the famous Malayalam proverb "''Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam''" which means "One must have the Onam lunch even by selling one's property if need be."<ref name="team metroplus-2013" /> The Travancore-style Onasadya is renowned to be the most disciplined and tradition-bound.<ref name="n satyendran-2010">{{Cite news |last=N. Satyendran |date=10 August 2010 |title=Onam on a leaf |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/onam-on-a-leaf/article9092190.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103623/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Onam-on-a-leaf/article14631217.ece |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=14 September 2016 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

The [[Kurichiya|Kurichians]] tribe of [[Parambikulam|Parambikkulam]] celebrate Onam as a festival for eating new grains. Just before Onam, they go for a community hunt and the [[Game (hunting)|game]] bagged during the hunt are distributed among participants and consumed in family feasts. The feasts are held on Uthradam and Thiruvonam. Their feast also include fish and meat.<ref name="linguistic survey of india-1961">{{Cite web |date=1961 |title=Monograph Series, Onam A Festival of Kerala, Part VII-B, Vol-I - 23277 1961 CNA.pdf |url=http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5637/1/23277_1961_CNA.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830171316/http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5637/1/23277_1961_CNA.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020 |website=Linguistic Survey of India}}</ref>

=== Post Onam celebrations ===
Normally, the largest chunk of Onam celebrations ends by Thiruvonam. However, the two days following Thiruvonam are also celebrated as Third and Fourth Onam. The third Onam, called '''Avvittom''' marks the preparations for King Mahabali's return ascension to heavens. The main ritual of the day is to take the Onathappan statue which was placed in the middle of every Pookkalam during the past 10 days and immerse it in nearby rivers or sea. The Pookkalam will be cleaned and removed after this ritual.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2019 |title=As Onam Celebration Begins, Here's How Kerala's Annual Harvest Festival is Celebrated for 10 Days |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/onam-2019-as-keralas-annual-harvest-festival-begins-heres-how-it-is-celebrated-for-10-days-2293685.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103604/https://www.news18.com/news/india/onam-2019-as-keralas-annual-harvest-festival-begins-heres-how-it-is-celebrated-for-10-days-2293685.html |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>

=== Other customs ===
[[File:Onapottan - A Traditional Kerala Art Form.jpg|thumb|150px|''[[Onapottan]]'' in traditional costume is a custom in northern Kerala. ''Onapottan'' visits houses and gives blessings.<ref name="m nazeer-2010" />]]
People buy and wear new clothes for the occasion of Onam, called ''Onakkodi''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outlook India: Best Online Magazine India, Latest News, Story |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/the-harvest-festival-all-about-onam-celebrations-in-india/1135620 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103606/https://www.outlookindia.com/ |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=19 August 2020}}</ref>

During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan or ''Onatthappan'' (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2013 |title=Flowers, pookkalam and Onam |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/flowers-pookkalam-and-onam/article5125877.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920042340/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/flowers-pookkalam-and-onam/article5125877.ece |archive-date=20 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> just as Hindus install images or murtis of [[Ganesh|Lord Ganesha]] on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival elsewhere.

Many lamps are lit in Hindu temples of Kerala during this celebration.<ref name="genealogy of the south indian deities by bartholomaeus ziegenbalg">''Genealogy Of The South Indian Deities'' By Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, Daniel Jeyaraj. p. 179</ref> A palmyra tree is erected in front of temples and surrounded by a wooden balustrade and covered with dry palmyra leaves.<ref name="genealogy of the south indian deities by bartholomaeus ziegenbalg" /> It is lit with a torch and burned to ashes to signify that King Mahabali went to Patala as a sacrifice.<ref name="genealogy of the south indian deities by bartholomaeus ziegenbalg" />

The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in rural areas. Young men and women, decked in their best, sing ''Onappaatt'', or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung from high branches.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Onam season is often associated with creativity as weavers and potters go for excess production to cater to increased demands for their products during the season, especially in the North Kerala regions of [[Kannur]] and [[Kasargod]]. Handloom fairs are an integral part of the spirit of Onam festivities these days.<ref name="m nazeer-2010" />

In some parts of Kerala, people indulge in various games and dances during and post-Thiruvonam. These are known as '''''Onakkalikal'''''. These include competitions such as Ox races ('''''Maramadimatsaram'''''), '''''[[Sports in Tamil Nadu|Uriyady]]''''', food-eating competitions, Pookalam competitions etc.in a special month.

[[Malankuravan language|Kuravans]] of Travancore use Onam as a day for offering thanks to their ancestral spirits. On Uthradam day, they offer liquor, rice cakes, flattened and parched rice, incense, camphor, etc. to the spirits. The ritual ends with a request to the spirits to be satisfied with their offerings and assured that the next attempt would be better. Then an appeal is made to protect the believers and to ward off evil spirits from their area. This ritual is locally known as '''''kalayam vaikkal'''''. A similar offering like this is done during [[Makaram]] harvest, known as '''''Uchara'''''.<ref name="linguistic survey of india-1961" />

=== Outside India ===
[[File:Onam Celebration in Vienna by Vienna Malayali Assosiation 06.jpg|thumb|right|Onam celebration at Vienna in 2024]]
Onam is also celebrated by the worldwide Malayali diaspora. Celebrations are notable in [[Oman]], [[Malaysia]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United States]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Singapore]], [[United Kingdom]], [[New Zealand]], [[Australia]],<ref name="asia one news-2012" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2015 |title=Onam celebrations in Dubai to have traditional flair |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/onam-celebrations-in-dubai-to-have-traditional-flair |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027023555/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/onam-celebrations-in-dubai-to-have-traditional-flair |archive-date=27 October 2015 |access-date=30 December 2015 |publisher=The Khaleej Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shveta Pathak |date=10 September 2011 |title=Keralites in the UAE celebrate Onam |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/society/keralites-in-the-uae-celebrate-onam-1.863848 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915135205/http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/society/keralites-in-the-uae-celebrate-onam-1.863848 |archive-date=15 September 2016 |access-date=30 December 2012 |publisher=Gulf News}}</ref> and [[France]] (notably [[Paris]] and [[Marseille]]).

== Significance ==
{{See also|Mahabali|Vishnu|Vamana}}
Onam is an ancient<ref>{{Cite book |last=((Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica)) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H4YVAQAAMAAJ |title=The New Encyclopaedia Britannica |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica |year=1974 |isbn=978-0-85229-290-7 |page=534}}, Quote: "Onam, Hindu festival in Kerala State, India."</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Chase |first1=Elaine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3tySBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA312 |title=Poverty and Shame: Global Experiences |last2=Bantebya-Kyomuhendo |first2=Grace |author-link2=Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-19-968672-8 |page=312}}, Quote: "Onam (Hindu festival)"</ref> Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates rice harvest.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" /><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Caroline Osella |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGLrI8-io_AC&pg=PA174 |title=Men and Masculinities in South India |last2=Filippo Osella |publisher=Anthem Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-84331-232-1 |page=174}}, Quote: "The 2000 Onam (Hindu festival) special edition of..."</ref> 

Regardless of religion, Christians and Malayali Muslims also celebrate Onam in addition to Hindus.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jacob |first=Jeemon |date=2015-08-31 |title=In India, a harvest festival regains prominence in churches- UCA News |url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/in-india-a-harvest-festival-regains-prominence-in-churches/74174 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=ucanews.com}}</ref> In Kerala, it has developed into a cultural celebration that unites people of all faiths and represents harmony, prosperity, and the harvest.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Hindu Bureau |date=2025-08-25 |title=Onam rush grips Kozhikode as shopping, cultural festivities begin |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/onam-rush-grips-kozhikode-as-shopping-cultural-festivities-begin/article69975464.ece |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> The festival has also expanded beyond geographical borders in recent years, with participation from other South Indian communities, including Tamils, Kannadigas, Telugus, etc. particularly in urban areas and culturally diverse contexts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kadiyala |first=Swetha |date=2019-09-04 |title=Non-Malayalis celebrate Onam in a grand way too |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2019/Sep/04/non-malayalis-celebrate-onam-in-a-grand-way-too-2028484.html |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> However, a minority of Islamic scholars have occasionally expressed concerns about Muslim participation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Digital |first=Mirror Now |date=2022-09-05 |title=Muslim Cleric weighs in on Kerala controversy of Onam celebration by hijab wearing students |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/muslim-cleric-weighs-in-on-kerala-controversy-of-onam-celebration-by-hijab-wearing-students-article-94005209 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=Times Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=P |first=Prashanth M |date=2016-07-18 |title=Kozhikode News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/kerala-salafi-preacher-says-onam-christmas-haram/articleshow/53260614.cms |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Mahabali and Vamana ===
According to Hindu mythology, [[Mahabali]] was the great-great-grandson of a [[Brahmin]] sage named [[Kashyapa]], the great-grandson of a demonic dictator, [[Hiranyakashipu]], and the grandson of [[Vishnu]] devotee [[Prahlada]]. This links the festival to the [[Puranas|Puranic]] story of Prahlada of [[Holika]] fame in Hinduism, who was the son of Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada, despite being born to a demonic [[Asura]] father who hated Vishnu, rebelled against his father's persecution of people and worshipped Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tries to kill his son Prahlada, but is slain by [[Vishnu]] in his [[Narasimha]] [[avatar]], and Prahlada is saved.<ref>{{Cite book |last=J. Gordon Melton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&pg=PA400 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-206-7 |pages=400–402}}</ref>

[[File:Shivas Kinder - 0192.jpg|thumb|The dwarf Vamana taking a leap-step is a part of many Hindu temple arts (above), and one legend behind Onam.]]
Prahlada's grandson, Mahabali, came to power by defeating the gods ([[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]]) and taking over the three worlds. According to [[Vaishnavism]], the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their battle with Mahabali.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" /> Vishnu refused to join the gods in violence against Mahabali because Mahabali was a good ruler and his own devotee. Mahabali, after his victory over the gods, declared that he would perform a ''[[yajna]]'' (''[[Homa (ritual)|homa]] – a'' sacrifice/ritual) and grant anyone any request during the ''yajna''. Vishnu took the avatar – his fifth<ref>{{Cite book |last=Michael D. Coogan |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedguide00coog |title=The Illustrated Guide to World Religions |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-19-521997-5 |page=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedguide00coog/page/152 152] |url-access=registration}}</ref> – of a dwarf monk called Vamana and approached Mahabali. The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he wished. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needed was "three paces of land". Mahabali agreed.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nanditha Kirshna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C |title=Book of Vishnu |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-81-8475-865-8 |pages=58–59}}</ref>

Vamana grew to an enormous size and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered his head for Vishnu to step on, an act that Vishnu accepted as evidence of Mahabali's devotion.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" /> Vishnu granted him a boon, by which Mahabali could visit again, once every year, the lands and people he previously ruled. This revisit marks the festival of Onam, as a reminder of the virtuous rule and his humility in keeping his promise before Vishnu. The last day of Mahabali's stay is remembered with a nine-course vegetarian [[Onasadya]] feast.<ref name="j gordon melton-2011" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gopal |first=Madan |title=India through the ages |publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |year=1990 |editor-last=K.S. Gautam |page=74}}</ref>

The name [[Thrikkakkara|Thrikkakara]] is originated from 'Thiru-kaal-kara', meaning 'place of the holy foot'. The main deity at [[Thrikkakara Temple]] is Vamana; the smaller temple to the side has Shiva as the deity. Vamana temple is known as 'Vadakkum Devar' and the Shiva temple is known as 'Tekkum Devar'. A number of subsidiary deities have been installed at Thrikkakara Temple.<ref name="linguistic survey of india-1961" /> The 1961 census report on Onam festival states:<ref name="linguistic survey of india-1961" /><blockquote>Though the Vamana temple is accepted as the main temple at the elite level, the local people consider the Shiva temple as the more important one. They believe that Shiva was the 'Kuladeivam' (family deity) of Mahabali and that there was no Vamana temple at that time. The palace of Mahabali was situated at the place where the Vamana temple is at present. After the fall of Mahabali, his palace was destroyed and later on Vamana was installed on that spot by the saint Kapila.</blockquote>According to [[Nanditha Krishna]], a simpler form of this legend, one without Mahabali, is found in the ''[[Rigveda]]'' and the Vedic text ''Shatapatha Brahmana'' where a solar deity is described with powers of Vishnu. This story likely grew over time, and is in part allegorical, where ''Bali'' is a metaphor for thanksgiving offering after a bounty of rice harvest during monsoon, and ''Vishnu'' is the metaphor of the Kerala sun and summer that precedes the Onam.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nanditha Krishna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C |title=Book of Vishnu |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-81-8475-865-8 |pages=58–61}}</ref> According to [[Roshen Dalal]], the story of Mahabali is important to Onam in Kerala, but similar Mahabali legends are significant in the region of [[Ballia district|Balia]] and [[Bawan]] in Uttar Pradesh, [[Bharuch]] in Gujarat, and [[Mahabaleshwar]] in Maharashtra. The story is significant not because Mahabali's rule ended, but it emphasises the Hindu belief in cyclical nature of events, that no individual, no ruler and nothing lasts forever, except the virtues and self-understanding that overcomes all sorrow.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roshen Dalal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=229–230}}</ref>

=== Parashurama ===
[[File:ONAM.jpg|thumb|260px|right|Mahabali is worshipped as Onathappan during the Onam festival]]
An alternate tale behind Onam relates to [[Parashurama]], an incarnation of [[Vishnu]] who is credited in Hinduism with creating the [[Western Ghats]] and Kerala.<ref name="nanditha krishna-2009">{{Cite book |last=Nanditha Krishna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C |title=Book of Vishnu |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-81-8475-865-8 |pages=65–69}}</ref> According to this legend, Vishnu observed the kings of the [[Kshatriya]] (warrior) waging constant war on one another and growing arrogant.<ref name="nanditha krishna-2009" /> He assumed the [[avatar]] of Parashurama, the warrior sage, in the era of the king [[Kartavirya Arjuna]]. This king persecuted and oppressed the people, the sages, and the gods.<ref name="nanditha krishna-2009" /> Following the murder of his father [[Jamadagni]], Parashurama swore vengeance against the king and the warrior class, slaying them as he travelled the world. When all the oppressors had been vanquished, he threw his axe into the ocean. The ocean retreated from the region where the axe descended, creating the land of Kerala.<ref name="nanditha krishna-2009" /> The Onam festival, according to this legend, celebrates Parashurama's creation of Kerala by marking those days as the new year.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nanditha Krishna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C |title=Book of Vishnu |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-81-8475-865-8 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

The legend and worship of Parashurama is attested in texts and epigraphs dated to about the 2nd century CE.<ref name="nanditha krishna-2009" />

=== Cultural festival ===
Onam is a "popular major Hindu festival in Kerala", states Christine Frost, but one that is also celebrated by other communities with "much zest alongside Hindus".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Christine Mangala Frost |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v4MwDwAAQBAJ |title=The Human Icon: A Comparative Study of Hindu and Orthodox Christian Beliefs |publisher=James Clarke Company Limited, Cambridge, UK |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-227-90612-5 |page=46 |access-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103056/https://books.google.com/books?id=v4MwDwAAQBAJ |archive-date=22 August 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> The festival is celebrated in [[Basic ecclesial community|basic ecclesial communities]] (BECs) in Trivandrum with local rituals, according to Latin Catholic Bishop<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan [Catholic-Hierarchy] |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bponn.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024175333/https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bponn.html |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020 |website=www.catholic-hierarchy.org}}</ref> Selvister Ponnumuthan.<ref name="selvister ponnumuthan-1996">{{Cite book |last=Selvister Ponnumuthan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zcedqS4jOusC&pg=PA210 |title=The Spirituality of Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Socio-religious Context of Trivandrum/Kerala, India |publisher=Gregorian Press |year=1996 |isbn=978-88-7652-721-0 |pages=210–212}}</ref> These traditions, according to Ponnumuthan, start with the lighting of [[Nilavilakku]], an ''[[Arti (Hinduism)|arati]]'' that includes waving of flowers (''pushparati'') over the [[Bible]], eating the Onam meal together with the Hindus as a form of "communion of brothers and sisters of different faiths".<ref name="selvister ponnumuthan-1996" /> The significance of these practices are viewed by BECs in Trivandrum as a form of integration with Hindus, mutual respect and sharing a tradition.<ref name="selvister ponnumuthan-1996" />

[[Paulinus of St. Bartholomew]] (1748–1806), in his [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/voyage-to-the-east-indies/A4EA0C0DD38C23E39A6AE05BFB641EEC ''A voyage to the East Indies''], describes Onam as follows:<ref name="linguistic survey of india-1961" /><blockquote>The fourth grand festival, celebrated in Malayala, is called Onam, and happens always in the month of September, on the day of new moon (not always). About the 10th of September the rain ceases in Malabar. All nature seems as if regenerated; the flowers again shoot up, and the trees bloom, in a word, this season is the same as that which Europeans call spring. This festival seems, therefore, to have been instituted for the purpose of soliciting from the Gods a happy and fruitful year. It continues eight days and during that time the Indians are accustomed to adorn their houses with flowers and daub them over with cow's dung; because the cow, as already observed, is a sacred animal dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, the [[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]] of the Indians. On this occasion they also put on new clothes throw aside all their old earthenware and supply its place by new. The men, particularly those who are young, form themselves into two parties and shoot at each other with arrows. These arrows are blunted, but exceedingly strong, and are discharged with such force, that a considerable number are generally wounded on both sides. These games have a great likeness to the [[Cerealia]] and [[Juvenalia]] of the ancient Greeks and Romans.</blockquote>
=== Onam and Islam ===
<!--"Onam and Islam" redirects here-->
[[File:Mappila Payasam Fest.jpg|thumb|360px|Activist Fais Umer hosting a 'Payasam Fest' in [[Kuttiady]] as part of Onam celebrations, in response to calls against Onam by salafi groups]]
According to P.S. Salini, a scholar in [[Islamic studies]], most [[Muslims]] join the festivities with their friends and celebrate Hindu festivals such as Onam.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=P.S. Salini |year=2011 |title=Prevalence of Hindu Customs and Practices among the Muslims of Kerala: A Socio-Cultural Analysis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8UjkVHi_cJoC |journal=Journal of Kerala Studies |language=en |publisher=University of Kerala. |volume=38 |page=100 |access-date=1 January 2020}}, Quote: "Most of the Muslims celebrate Hindu festivals like Onam, Divali etc; actively participating in the Hindu festivals without any religious feelings but as occasions to rejoice with friends"</ref> According to a 2001 chapter by Filippo Osella and Caroline Osella, both Hindus and non-Hindus have celebrated Onam equally "as a time when the unity of the family and kin group is particularly emphasized".<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Osella |first1=Filippo |title=The Everyday State and Society in Modern India |last2=Osella |first2=Caroline |date=2001 |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. |isbn=978-1-85065-471-1 |editor-last=Fuller |editor-first=Christopher John |page=139 |chapter=The return of king Mahabali: the politics of morality in Kerala |editor-last2=Bénéï |editor-first2=Véronique}}</ref> In another 2008 paper, Osella and Osella narrate the story of a Muslim family in Kozhikode who prepared and shared a full vegetarian Onam sadhya, with women leading the cooking and celebration, despite warnings from some reformists to not celebrate Onam.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Osella |first1=Caroline |last2=Osella |first2=Filippo |year=2008 |title=Food, Memory, Community: Kerala as both 'Indian Ocean' Zone and as Agricultural Homeland |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5174/1/CSAS_A_287892_Osella_paper.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Journal of South Asian Studies |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=170–198 |doi=10.1080/00856400701877232 |s2cid=145738369 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026204002/https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5174/1/CSAS_A_287892_Osella_paper.pdf |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=11 September 2021}}</ref>

Salafi sections of Islam have raised concerns about the celebration of Onam by Muslims. However majority of Muslims observe Onam anyway, considering its celebrations and rituals as a cultural practice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shreya Biswas |date=12 September 2016 |title=Malayali Muslim man celebrates Onam after a preacher calls the festival 'haram' |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-man-celebrates-onam-kerala-payasam-fest/1/762527.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123233731/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-man-celebrates-onam-kerala-payasam-fest/1/762527.html |archive-date=23 January 2017 |access-date=2 March 2017 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece Mahabali comes calling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002095637/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece|date=2 October 2021}}, The Hindu, Neeti Sarkar (5 September 2014)</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Mundu]] and [[Kerala sari]] - Common ethnic wear for Onam
* [[Onathallu]] – Performed in Kerala during Onam.
* [[Vallam Kali]] – a traditional boat race conducted during Onam

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Onam}}

{{Kerala}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}
{{Hindu festivals}}
{{Hindudharma}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Folk festivals in India]]
[[Category:Festivals in Kerala]]
[[Category:Harvest festivals in India]]
[[Category:August observances]]
[[Category:September observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in Kerala|*]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Onam]]