Saralnama
Onam is a major Hindu harvest festival celebrated over ten days in Kerala, honoring the legendary King Mahabali whose annual return symbolizes prosperity and unity. The festival, observed in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September), features floral decorations, traditional dances like Thiruvathirakali, temple rituals, and communal feasts known as Onasadya. The main day, Thiruvonam, marks Mahabali’s homecoming and is celebrated with early morning home cleaning, intricate floral carpets, cultural programs, and family gatherings. Onam also commemorates the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, who subdued King Mahabali according to Hindu mythology. The festival includes vibrant events such as Vallamkali (snake boat races) on Kerala’s backwaters, music and dance performances, and decorative lighting displays. Organized by the Kerala Tourism Department, the 2025 celebrations will run from August 26 to September 5, featuring state-level inaugurations and cultural pageantry across multiple venues. Onam promotes values of equality, cultural pride, and community bonding, attracting participation from diverse groups and tourists worldwide. (Updated 3 Sep 2025, 08:24 IST; source: link)