Onam 2026 Dates - All 10 Days
| Day | Name | Date 2026 | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atham | Sunday, Aug 23 | First flower for Pookalam |
| 2 | Chithira | Monday, Aug 24 | Pookalam expands |
| 3 | Chodhi | Tuesday, Aug 25 | Shopping begins |
| 4 | Vishakam | Wednesday, Aug 26 | Preparations intensify |
| 5 | Anizham | Thursday, Aug 27 | Vallamkali practice |
| 6 | Thriketa | Friday, Aug 28 | Temple visits |
| 7 | Moolam | Saturday, Aug 29 | Celebrations begin |
| 8 | Pooradam | Sunday, Aug 30 | Mahabali idol placed |
| 9 | Uthradam (First Onam) | Monday, Aug 31 | Small feast, final prep |
| 10 | Thiruvonam (Main Onam) | Tuesday, Sep 1 | Grand Sadya feast |
Thiruvonam Muhurat Timings
Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins
September 1, 2026
05:42 AM IST
Thiruvonam Nakshatra Ends
September 2, 2026
03:18 AM IST
Sadya Serving Time
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
(Traditional lunch)
Onathappan Puja
Morning before Sadya
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Kerala Onam Traditions
Pookalam Design Guide
Each day of Onam, a new layer is added to the Pookalam. Start with a small design on Atham and expand daily. Use traditional flowers: Thumba (white), Mukkutti (yellow), Chembarathi (red), Chethi, Arali, and Jamanthi.
Onam Sadya - Traditional Menu
The grand Onam Sadya features 26+ dishes served on a banana leaf:
Must-have items: Avial, Olan, Kalan, Erissery, Sambar, Rasam, Thoran, Pachadi, Kichadi, Pulissery, Koottukari, Parippu, Ghee Rice, Payasam (3 types), Pappadam, Banana chips, Sharkara Upperi, Pickle, and Buttermilk.
Famous Temples to Visit During Onam
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Location: Thrissur District | Deity: Lord Krishna
Special Onam celebrations with elephant procession and kathakali performances.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Location: Thiruvananthapuram | Deity: Lord Vishnu
One of India's richest temples with grand Onam pujas.
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Location: Thrissur | Deity: Lord Shiva
Ancient temple with spectacular Onam decorations.
Thrikkakara Temple
Location: Ernakulam | Deity: Vamana (Mahabali story)
The only temple in Kerala dedicated to King Mahabali. Central to Onam mythology.
Vallamkali - Snake Boat Races 2026
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Date: August 8, 2026 (Second Saturday of August)
Location: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
Aranmula Boat Race
Date: September 1, 2026 (Thiruvonam)
Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Onam 2026 in Kerala?
Thiruvonam 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The 10-day Onam celebration begins on Atham (August 23) and ends on Thiruvonam.
What is the significance of Onam?
Onam celebrates the annual return of the mythical King Mahabali, who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vamana but allowed to visit his people once a year. It's Kerala's biggest harvest festival.
Is Onam a government holiday in Kerala?
Yes, Onam is a state holiday in Kerala. Government offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed on Thiruvonam.
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