The Blooming Dawn of Onam

 


#visit Kerala #onam #Kerala Tourism

 

The Blooming Dawn of Onam

….Atham day is here and so are the celebrations.

Today 26th August, 2025 marks the ‘Atham’ day of Onam celebrations. A state festival of Kerala, that unites Malayaless across the globe in a garland of Malayalee culture.  Onam is not just a festival—it is Kerala’s heartbeat, a ten-day symphony of colors, traditions, and collective joy. Rooted in myth yet alive in every home, it transcends religion and caste, uniting millions in celebration. Onam is Kerala reminding the world of harmony, abundance, and timeless cultural pride.

If you ever wish to see Kerala dressed in its most vibrant colors, plan your visit during Onam—the state’s grand harvest festival. And it all begins with Atham, the first day of this ten-day celebration.

Onam is more than just dates on the calendar; it is the moment Kerala awakens to festivity. Homes are swept, courtyards are prepared, and families gather to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali, the legendary ruler whose reign was marked by prosperity and equality. Myth says that Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf incarnation Vamana, set events in motion that led Mahabali to the underworld. Yet, such was his love for his people that he was allowed to return once a year—during Onam. Atham is the day his journey begins, and Keralites wait with open hearts to greet him.

For a traveller, the most striking sight during Onam is the Pookalam—intricate floral carpets laid out in courtyards. On this first day, the designs are simple, often made with the delicate Thumba flowers, but with each passing day, the Pookalam grows in size and complexity. By the time of Thiruvonam, the final day, these floral artworks are breath taking in their scale and beauty.

Visiting Kerala during Onam also means experiencing more than flowers. You’ll hear the rhythms of chenda drums, see processions with dancers and decorated elephants, and taste the first flavors of the festive season that will culminate in the grand Onam Sadya—a traditional feast served on banana leaves.

Onam is Kerala’s way of telling visitors: the festival has begun, joy is in the air, and every petal, drumbeat, and story is an invitation to join in. If you are in Kerala during Onam, don’t just be a visitor, step into it, walk barefoot on flower-strewn courtyards, and feel the magic of Kerala come alive around you.


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