Onam 2026: History, Significance And Everything To Know About The 10-Day Festival

New Delhi: Thiruvonam, the biggest day of Onam, is being celebrated in Kerala on Wednesday, August 26. This festival which lasts for 10 days starts with Atham. On the day of Thiruvonam, houses are decorated with special decorations, pujas are performed in temples and families gather for the traditional Onam Sadya. In Kerala, Onam is celebrated as a major festival associated with harvest, prosperity and mutual harmony.

Why is Onam associated with the return of King Mahabali?

The most popular belief of Onam is related to King Mahabali. In mythology, he has been described as a just and charitable ruler, under whose rule the people were happy. It is believed that the gods became worried due to the increasing prestige of Mahabali and Lord Vishnu tested him by taking the incarnation of Vaman. Vaman asked for three steps of land from Mahabali. After measuring the earth and sky in two steps, Mahabali moved his head forward for the third step. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu gave him the boon of returning among his subjects once a year. Onam is associated with the joy of this annual arrival.

What is the significance of 10 days of Onam?

Onam celebrations start from Atham and continue till Thiruvonam. Different traditions are performed during these ten days. In the initial days, Pookkalam i.e. flower rangoli decoration starts outside the houses and new flowers are added to it every day. Along with this, worship, cultural programmes and shopping take place in temples. Uthradam is also observed as the ‘First Onam’ in many places, while Thiruvonam is the main festival day.

Why is Pookkalam so special in Onam tradition?

During Onam, Pookkalam is prepared with colourful flowers at the entrance of houses. Starting from Atham, this decoration increases in size and design every day. Family members together pick flowers and make different shapes from them. Pookkalam competitions are also organised at many places. This tradition is not limited to just decorations but also brings out the collective and festive nature of Onam.

How does Vallamkali make Onam celebrations special?

Kerala's traditional Vallamkali i.e. snake boat race also remains the center of attraction during Onam. Teams take part in the race aboard long traditional boats in the backwaters. Apart from this, folk dance, music and other cultural programmes are organised in many areas. In this way, Onam brings out the cultural identity of Kerala along with religious traditions.

Why is Onam Sadya made on the day of Thiruvonam?

Traditional Onam Sadya is prepared in homes on the day of Thiruvonam. This vegetarian feast is served on a banana leaf. It includes many dishes like sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, banana chips and payasam along with rice. Family members sit together and eat food, hence Sadya is considered an important part of the group celebration of Onam.

What is the significance of the date of Thiruvonam 2026?

This year Thiruvonam is on 26th August, Wednesday. According to the given almanac details, Thiruvonam Nakshatra started at around 10:51 pm on 25th August and continued till the night of 26th August. On this basis, the date of Thiruvonam in 2026 has been fixed as 26th August. The specialty of Onam is that along with religious beliefs, the traditional culture of Kerala is also visible in it. The festival brings the family and community together through Pookkalam, Vallamkali, traditional costumes, music and Onam Sadya.