Onam ओणम
Harvest festival of Kerala. Celebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali.
- Deity
- Vishnu / Mahabali
- Mantra
- ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Why it matters
Celebrates the annual return of the righteous asura king Mahabali, whose reign was so just and prosperous that the gods grew envious. Vishnu, incarnated as Vamana, granted Mahabali the boon of visiting his beloved people once a year. Onam embodies the ideals of equality, abundance, and the golden age when all castes and communities thrived together under a benevolent ruler.
How it is observed
Creating Pookalam (intricate flower carpets at the entrance), preparing the Onam Sadya (a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves), Vallam Kali (snake boat races on the backwaters), Pulikali (tiger dance performances), traditional games and family gatherings.
Fasting
No specific fast — Onam is a celebration of abundance and feasting.
For your practice
Gratitude meditation on community and shared abundance; chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam; visualization of a golden age of harmony and prosperity.
Onam — Dates
- Wednesday, 26 August 20262026
- Sunday, 12 September 20272027
- Friday, 1 September 20282028
- Wednesday, 22 August 20292029
- Monday, 9 September 20302030
Dates are for India (IST). Tithi timings shift by location; the Tattva app works them out for your city.
Get a reminder before it comes
Tattva reminds you the day before, shows the day’s panchang and has the puja and mantra ready.
Greeting cards in Hindi and English are on your home screen a week before.
