India is a land of diverse cultures and festivals, and one of the most vibrant celebrations is Onam. If you’re wondering which Indian state is known for the Onam festival, the answer is Kerala. This grand harvest festival is marked with joy, rituals, food, and cultural performances that reflect the spirit of Malayali tradition.
What is Onam?
What is Onam? It is the annual harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated in honor of King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit his people during this time. Onam usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September).
Onam Celebration
The Onam celebration lasts for 10 days, filled with rituals, floral decorations, traditional feasts, dances, boat races, and temple festivities. Every day of Onam has a unique name and significance, making it a culturally rich festival.
Celebrating Onam Festival – 10 Days of Joy
Here are the 10 days of celebrating Onam festival with their names:
- Atham – Beginning of festivities with Pookalam (floral carpet).
- Chithira – Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers.
- Chodhi – Families add more designs to Pookalam.
- Visakam – Preparations for feasts and games begin.
- Anizham – Vallam Kali (snake boat race) takes place.
- Thriketa – Families exchange gifts and visits.
- Moolam – Smaller feasts and cultural events are held.
- Pooradam – Idols of Vamana and King Mahabali are placed.
- Uthradam – Considered the most important day before Onam.
- Thiruvonam – Main day of Onam with grand feast and rituals.
Onam Kerala – The Heart of Tradition
The grandeur of Onam Kerala is unmatched. From boat races to Kathakali performances, every corner of Kerala comes alive with color, devotion, and joy during the festival.
Onam Sadhya – The Traditional Feast
No Onam is complete without the Onam Sadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It consists of over 20 dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, rasam, payasam, and pickles.
Highlights of Onam
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Onam |
| Which Indian State | Kerala |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Main Day | Thiruvonam |
| Key Attraction | Pookalam, Vallam Kali, Onam Sadhya |
FAQs on Onam
Q1. Which Indian state is known for the Onam festival?
Kerala is the state famous for celebrating Onam with grandeur and devotion.
Q2. How many days is Onam celebrated?
It is celebrated for 10 days, starting from Atham and ending with Thiruvonam.
Q3. What is the significance of Onam Sadhya?
The feast represents prosperity, gratitude, and unity, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Q4. What is the importance of Thiruvonam?
Thiruvonam is the main day of Onam when people believe King Mahabali visits every home.
Q5. How do people wish each other during Onam?
People greet each other by saying Happy Onam, sharing sweets, and celebrating together.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly which Indian state is known for the Onam festival—it is Kerala, the land of beauty and tradition. With its deep cultural roots, rituals, feasts like the Onam Sadhya, and grand Onam celebration, this festival goes beyond religion, uniting people with joy and prosperity. Whether you’re learning about what is Onam, the colorful days from Atham to Thiruvonam, or the pride of Onam Kerala, this festival continues to be a symbol of unity and happiness. So, as families across Kerala say, Happy Onam!