Welcome to God’s Own Country, where vibrant culture and traditions come alive during the joyous occasion of Onam. As we approach the end of August, Kerala is once again gearing up to celebrate its most significant and beloved festival, Onam. This ten-day Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is an extravaganza, held annually, which holds deep historical and cultural significance for the people of Kerala. From mesmerizing floral decorations to sumptuous feasts and lively cultural performances, Onam brings together the entire state in a unified spirit of happiness and camaraderie. Let’s delve into the date, history, and various ways in which this colorful festival is celebrated across Kerala this year.
Onam Festival History
The Onam festival history in Kerala is deeply rooted in mythology and folklore, dating back thousands of years
- The Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 is associated with the legend of King Mahabali.
- The festival is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, also known as Maveli, who ruled over Kerala in ancient times.
- Mahabali was a just and benevolent king, loved by his subjects for his virtuous rule.
- To test the king’s humility and curb his dominance, Lord Vishnu took on the avatar of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and sought a boon from Mahabali.
- Mahabali granted Vamana’s wish, which was to be given land measuring three paces.
- Vamana covered the entire earth and heavens with his first two paces.
- Mahabali humbly offered his head for Vamana’s third foot, displaying his unparalleled humility.
- Pleased with Mahabali’s humility, Vamana granted him a wish to visit his kingdom and people once a year during Onam.
- The legend of Mahabali is central to the Onam celebration, and the festival is a grand spectacle of traditional customs and rituals in Kerala.
- Onam festivities span ten days and include vibrant floral rangoli (Pookalam) decorations, elaborate feasts known as Onam Sadhya, folk dances like Pulikali and Kaikottikali, boat races, and various cultural events.
- The Onam festival story is a celebration of the Keralites’ deep-rooted bond with their land, history, and values, promoting the spirit of unity, joy, and harmony among the people.
- The festival attracts people from all walks of life to come together and revel in the essence of God’s Own Country.
Onam Festival 2023 Date
Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 Dates: Sun, 20/08/2023 – Thu, 31/08/2023
How to celebrate Onam festival?
Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 is a vibrant and joyful festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state of Kerala, India. The festivities last for ten days, and each day has its own significance and rituals. Here’s a general guide on how to celebrate Onam:
Pookalam (Floral Rangoli) Decoration: During the ten days leading up to Thiru Onam, people create colorful floral rangoli designs called Pookalam at the entrance of their homes. Each day, the Pookalam becomes more elaborate and larger, signifying the welcoming of King Mahabali. 
Onam Sadya (Grand Feast): Thiru Onam is the main day of celebration, and a grand vegetarian feast known as Onam Sadya is an integral part of the festivities. Served on a banana leaf, the Sadya consists of a variety of delicious dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, rasam, payasam, and Onam festival sweets.
Traditional Attire: Wearing traditional attire is a common practice during Onam. Women often wear Kerala sarees like Kasavu sarees, and men don traditional dhoti and shirts.
Vallamkali (Boat Races): Vallamkali or boat races are an exciting part of Onam celebrations. Colorfully adorned boats with rowers singing traditional songs participate in boat races in various water bodies across Kerala.
Pulikali and Kaikottikali: These are traditional folk dances performed during Onam. In Pulikali, performers paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beats of drums, while in Kaikottikali, women form circles and perform a graceful group dance.
Onathappan: At the center of the Pookalam, a small pyramid-like structure made of clay or sand called Onathappan or Thrikkakara Appan is placed to represent King Mahabali.
Onathallu (Sports): Traditional sports and games are organized during Onam, including activities like tug-of-war, kabaddi, and various other village games.
Shopping and Gift-giving: Like any festive season, Onam is also a time for shopping and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Cultural Programs: Many cultural events and performances take place during the festival, including traditional dances, music shows, and drama performances.
Visiting Temples: People visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings during the Onam festival.
Remember, Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 is a time for joy, harmony, and togetherness. It is celebrated by people of all religions and communities in Kerala, and the spirit of unity and inclusivity makes it a special and cherished festival for everyone.
Also Read: Top 10 Must Try Foods on Your Next Kerala Trip
Interesting Facts about Onam Festival
Here are some interesting facts about the Onam festival in Kerala 2023:
- Homecoming of King Mahabali: Onam is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, a legendary ruler of Kerala known for his just and benevolent rule. It is believed that he visits his kingdom during the festival to ensure the well-being of his people.
- Ten-Day Celebration: Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is a ten-day festival filled with various cultural events, rituals, and festivities. Each day has its own significance and customs.
- Pookalam Records: Kerala holds the Guinness World Record for creating the largest flower carpet (Pookalam) in the world, a testament to the artistic and creative prowess of the people during Onam.
- Onam Sadya: The grand feast of the Onam festival in Kerala 2023, known as Onam Sadya, typically consists of around 26 to 30 dishes served on a banana leaf. It showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.
- Snake Boat Races: The Vallamkali or snake boat races are a major highlight of the Onam festival in Kerala 2023. These races feature elaborately decorated boats manned by rowers and are a spectacle of coordination and tradition.
- Pulikali Tiger Dance: In the town of Thrissur, a unique dance known as Pulikali takes place during Onam, where performers paint themselves as tigers and entertain the crowd.
- Kaikottikali Dance: Women perform the graceful Kaikottikali dance, forming circles and dancing to traditional songs, celebrating the festive spirit.
- Thiruvonam Star: Thiru Onam, the main day of celebration, falls on the day of the Thiruvonam star, according to the Malayalam calendar.
- Inclusive Celebration: Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is celebrated by people of all religious backgrounds in Kerala, fostering a sense of unity and harmony.
- Athachamayam Parade: The festival begins with the Athachamayam parade in Thripunithura, featuring various traditional art forms and cultural displays.
- Floral Rangoli Competitions: Competitions for creating the most intricate and beautiful Pookalam designs are held during Onam, promoting creativity and community participation.
- Cultural Extravaganza: Cultural programs including traditional dances, music performances, and theatrical shows are organized across the state.
- Kerala’s Shopping Festival: Many cities in Kerala also host a shopping festival during Onam, attracting tourists with discounts and sales.
- Traditional Attire: People wear traditional Kerala attire, with women donning elegant sarees like Kasavu and men wearing white dhotis and shirts.
- Community Bonding: Onam festival in Kerala 2023 emphasizes the importance of family and community bonds, with people coming together to celebrate and participate in various activities.
These fascinating facts showcase the rich cultural tapestry and diverse celebrations that make Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 a unique and cherished festival in Kerala.
The true essence of the Onam festival in Kerala 2023 can only be experienced by visiting the places. You can easily book your bus tickets on AbhiBus with Kerala RTC or any private bus operator. Also, you can get the complete details of the festivities on Kerala Tourism and plan your journey accordingly. Travel through lush landscapes, cultural festivals, and unforgettable memories.
FAQs on the Onam Festival in Kerala 2023
Onam festival is celebrated in which state?
Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is primarily celebrated in the state of Kerala, which is located in the southwestern part of India. Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its natural beauty, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Onam is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala and holds immense significance for the people of the state. The Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 is deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and historical traditions of Kerala and is observed with great enthusiasm and fervor by people from all communities and walks of life.
What is Onam festival?
Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is a vibrant and significant festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the most important cultural festivals in the region and holds deep historical and mythological significance.
Why Onam festival is celebrated?
Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali, a beloved ruler in Kerala’s mythology, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and cultural pride for the people of the state.
When is Onam festival celebrated?
Onam festival in Kerala 2023 is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The main day of Onam, Thiru Onam, is usually celebrated on the day of the star “Thiruvonam” during the Chingam month.
Who celebrates Onam festival?
Onam festival in Kerala 2023 in India is primarily celebrated by the people of the state of Kerala. It is the state’s most significant and popular cultural festival, and it holds immense importance for the people of Kerala. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and unity by people from all religious and cultural backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and others. Onam is not limited to any specific community but is embraced and cherished by all residents of Kerala. The spirit of inclusivity and cultural pride makes Onam a truly unique and unifying celebration for the people of God’s Own Country.
