How is Onam celebrated in Kerala and around the world?

Feasts, colourful masks, performances and boat races will be held during a 10-day celebration

A performer paints his face before performing as a Hindu god in a Kummati Kali, a mask dance, part of the annual Onam festival celebrations in the Thrissur district in the Indian state of Kerala. AFP

Kummati Kali peformers in Thrissur, Kerala. AFP

Women wearing traditional dresses pose for a selfie as they take part in the Onam festival celebrations in Chennai, India. EPA

Children in traditional dresses play on a swing during Onam in Chennai, India. EPA

Traditional sadya meal served on a banana leaf in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the Onam festival. Getty Images

Indian women wearing traditional dresses prepare a flower carpet or Pookalam in front of their house as they celebrate Onam in Chennai, India. EPA

A performer dressed as a tiger dances to the beats as he takes part in the Pulikali or Tiger Dance during Onam celebrations in Chennai, India. EPA

A performer dressed as King Mahabali is welcomed by people. In Hindu mythology, Onam marks Mahabali's return after being sent to the underworld by lord Vishnu. EPA

The Malayali community in Chennai offer prayers to the Hindu god Ayyappa on the occasion of Onam. EPA

Indian Muslim students decorate a flower carpet in Chennai, India. EPA

For 10 days in September, Onam celebrations will take place across the South Indian state of Kerala and among Malayali communities around the world.

The important Keralite harvest festival falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will be celebrated from September 6 to 15.

Although it is a Hindu festival, it has taken on such cultural significance that people of all religions in Kerala now celebrate it to some extent.

History of Onam

The festival celebrates king Mahabali's return from the underworld. The mythological king was considered a great ruler; legend has it that when he ruled, there was no discrimination based on caste, and no corruption or crime.

It is said that the great king was later sent to the underworld by lord Vishnu or Vamana, but was allowed to visit his people once a year, and Onam thus came about.

The Kerala government made it an official holiday in the 1960s. The area in Kochi called Thrikkakkara is particularly significant during the festival, because of its temple.

There are public holidays in Kerala every year for the festival, with families spending time together and many people getting up early to pray.

The harvest festival of Onam is not to be confused with Vishu, which was in April this year, and marks the Malayali New Year.

What is Onam sadya?

One of the highlights of the festival for many is the Onam sadya or feast. Vegetarian food is often served en masse in the community, in restaurants or at homes, and is always presented on a banana leaf.

The most important feast is served on Thiru Onam, the key date of the festival, which this year is on September 15. Nine to 30 dishes can be served, including curries, dal, pickles, poppadoms, banana chips and more.

This particular kind of feast is generally only served during weddings or Onam, and so is cherished by all at this time of year.

Pazhamkootan, a stew made from leftovers of the Onam sadya, is another popular dish in Malayali households.

The performances and events

There are many different performances and events as part of the Onam celebrations. One major event is the snake boat race. The vessels are similar to dragon boats and are the region's traditional war boats that date back about 500 years.

Another important event is the Kummati Kali dance through the streets, particularly in the Thrissur district. The dancers wear colourful masks and cover their bodies in grass. Theyyam performers – considered to be direct lines to the gods – are also commonly seen during the festival and often perform at temples.

On the fourth day of Onam, performers dressed as tigers and hunters entertain people with their colourful costumes, dancing along to drums and emulating the hunt. It is believed that the Maharaja of Cochin introduced the tiger dance as an Onam tradition about 200 years ago and that he appreciated the macho spirit of the event.

The flowers and the clothes

Much like during Diwali, people place flower arrangements called pookkalam around their community and outside their homes. They are considered auspicious and are placed to welcome king Mahabali.

Women wear a kasavu two-piece set, or a sari, during Onam, which is cream-coloured with a gold border. They also wear flowers in their hair. Meanwhile, men wear the traditional mundu wrapped around their waist.

Other traditions

There are lots of colourful variations of traditions and dances during this time of year. Many people buy new clothes to wear during the holidays and, just like during Diwali, lamps are lit during this time.

After Onam, the pookkalam flower arrangements are often placed in the river.