when is onam, Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam 2023 celebration in kerala

Onam is the most important festival in Kerala, India. It is a 10-day harvest festival that is celebrated in August or September. The festival is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Kerala.


The festival is celebrated to mark the return of the legendary king Mahabali from the underworld. According to legend, Mahabali was a just and benevolent ruler who was loved by his people. He was so loved that the gods became jealous and banished him to the underworld. However, they allowed him to return to earth once a year for the festival of Onam.

During the festival, people decorate their homes with flowers and rangolis, a type of decorative floor painting. They also wear new clothes and prepare special dishes, such as payasam, a sweet dish made from milk and rice.

There are many cultural events and celebrations that take place during Onam, including boat races, music and dance performances, and traditional games.


Onam is a time of joy and celebration for the people of Kerala. It is a time to come together and remember their rich culture and traditions.

What is Onam called in Kerala?

Onam is called Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam in Kerala. It is the most important festival in the state and is celebrated for 10 days. The festival is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Kerala.

The name Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam means "auspicious Onam". It is believed that the legendary king Mahabali returns to his kingdom on this day. Mahabali was a just and benevolent ruler who was loved by his people. He was so loved that the gods became jealous and banished him to the underworld. However, they allowed him to return to earth once a year for the festival of Onam.

During Thiru Onam, people decorate their homes with flowers and rangolis, a type of decorative floor painting. They also wear new clothes and prepare special dishes, such as payasam, a sweet dish made from milk and rice. There are many cultural events and celebrations that take place during Thiru Onam, including boat races, music and dance performances, and traditional games.

Thiru Onam is a time of joy and celebration for the people of Kerala. It is a time to come together and remember their rich culture and traditions.

Which is the main day for Onam 2023?

The main day for Onam 2023 is Thiruvonam, which falls on Tuesday, August 29th. Thiruvonam is the most important day of the festival and is celebrated with great pomp and circumstance. People decorate their homes with flowers and rangolis, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes. There are also many cultural events and celebrations that take place on this day, such as boat races, music and dance performances, and traditional games.

The other days of the Onam festival are Atham, Chithira, Choth, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooram, Uthram, and Thiruvonam. Each day has its own significance and is celebrated in its own way.

Why Kerala celebrates Onam?

There are two main reasons why Kerala celebrates Onam. The first is to mark the return of the legendary king Mahabali from the underworld. According to legend, Mahabali was a just and benevolent ruler who was loved by his people. He was so loved that the gods became jealous and banished him to the underworld. However, they allowed him to return to earth once a year for the festival of Onam.

The second reason is to celebrate the harvest season. Onam is a harvest festival, and it is a time to celebrate the abundance of crops that have been grown in the land. It is also a time to give thanks to the gods for their blessings.

Onam is a time of joy and celebration for the people of Kerala. It is a time to come together and remember their rich culture and traditions.

Here are some of the other reasons why Kerala celebrates Onam:

  • To commemorate the legend of King Mahabali, who was a great ruler and is remembered for his generosity and kindness.
  • To celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season.
  • To welcome the cooler weather and the start of a new year in the Malayalam calendar.
  • To promote unity and harmony among the people of Kerala.
  • To showcase the rich culture and traditions of Kerala to the world.

Onam is a beautiful and vibrant festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala. It is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other's company. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future.

 Where is Onam celebrated in Kerala?

Onam is celebrated all over Kerala, but the main celebrations take place in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The city hosts a number of cultural events and festivities, including the Athachamayam, a grand procession of elephants and other cultural performances.

Other major Onam celebrations take place in Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam. These cities also host a number of cultural events and festivities, such as boat races, music and dance performances, and traditional games.

Onam is also celebrated by the Malayali community in other parts of India and the world. There are a number of Onam celebrations organized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Here are some of the popular places to celebrate Onam in Kerala:

Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is home to the main Onam celebrations. The city hosts a number of cultural events and festivities, including the Athachamayam, a grand procession of elephants and other cultural performances.


Thrissur: Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala and is home to a number of important temples. The city also hosts a number of Onam celebrations, including the Pooram festival, a grand elephant procession.


Alappuzha: Alappuzha is known as the Venice of the East and is home to a number of backwaters. The city also hosts a number of Onam celebrations, including the Vallamkali, a boat race.


Ernakulam: Ernakulam is the commercial capital of Kerala and is home to a number of temples and churches. The city also hosts a number of Onam celebrations, including the Onam Sadya, a traditional feast.

About The Author

Archana Roy is an Indian fact-checker and news writer, writing news for Ayupp since 2014.

You Might Be Interested In

Latest On Ayupp.com