Onam · Onam, Thiruvonam

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Onam, Kerala's state festival, recalls the benevolent Asura king Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala and returns each year to visit his people. Homes lay flower carpets (pookalam), families share the onasadya, a feast of many dishes served on a plantain leaf, and there are boat races and the Pulikali, a masked leopard dance. The celebrations are spread over ten days, from Atham to Thiruvonam, the day of the Thiruvonam nakshatra in the solar month of Chingam.