The Story of Onam
Onam is Kerala’s grandest festival — a ten-day celebration of harvest, unity and the annual homecoming of the beloved King Mahabali.
The legend of Mahabali
Onam celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali (Maveli), a benevolent asura king under whose just and generous rule Kerala is said to have enjoyed a golden age — a time when everyone was equal, honest and happy.
The gods, uneasy at his growing power, sent Vishnu in the form of Vamana, a dwarf brahmin, who asked for three paces of land. In three steps Vamana measured the earth and sky, and for the third placed his foot on Mahabali’s head, pushing him to the netherworld. Moved by the king’s devotion, Vishnu granted him one wish: to visit his beloved people once every year. That annual visit is Onam.
Onam falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September), marking the end of the monsoon and the bountiful harvest season. It is Kerala’s most important festival, celebrated by Malayalis of every faith as a shared cultural heritage.
For the Malayali community in Bahrain, Onam is a treasured link to home — a chance to gather, share a Sadya, wear traditional clothes and pass the traditions on to the next generation.
Pookkalam — an intricate carpet of fresh flowers laid at the entrance of homes, growing larger over the ten days. Sadya — a grand vegetarian feast of up to 26 dishes served on a banana leaf. Onakkodi — new clothes gifted and worn on Thiruvonam.
The festivities also include Thiruvathira dance, Vallamkali boat races, Pulikali (tiger dance), Onam songs and games — a vibrant expression of Kerala’s art and community.
Atham to Thiruvonam
Each day of the Malayalam month of Chingam builds towards Thiruvonam, the grand finale on 26 August 2026.
The first flower carpet is laid — a single small ring of yellow flowers marks the start of Onam.
The Pookkalam grows with a second ring. Homes begin their festive cleaning and preparation.
New clothes (Onakkodi) are bought and shopping for the festival gathers pace.
One of the busiest days — markets brim with vegetables and provisions for the Sadya.
Preparations for the famous Vallamkali (snake boat races) traditionally begin.
Families reunite; the flower carpet grows larger and more intricate each day.
Smaller Onam Sadyas are served and temples hold special celebrations.
Small clay statues of Mahabali and Vamana (Onathappan) are installed at the centre of the Pookkalam.
Called 'First Onam' — the day Mahabali is believed to arrive in Kerala. Final shopping and cooking take place.
The most auspicious day of Onam: the grand Sadya, new clothes, prayers and the biggest celebrations.
Good to know
