Celebrate Onam Like a Local in Kerala: An Authentic Guide

Onam, Kerala's colourful harvest festival, is a ten-day spectacle that captures the soul and essence of the state's affluent culture and traditions. Fêted with great fervour to welcome the return of the legendary King Mahabali, Onam 2025 will mainly be on September 5th, Friday (Thiruvonam), with festivities beginning earlier from late August. If you're interested in experiencing Onam like a native, check out these 8 destinations where the festival really comes alive:

Where to Celebrate Onam Like a Local in Kerala

1. Thripunithura, Kochi - For the Grand Athachamayam Procession

The ancient town of Thripunithura, which was the former residence of the royal family of Cochin, celebrates the start of Onam festivities with the grand Athachamayam procession. It is the royal procession in which Kerala's traditional arts come alive in a kaleidoscope of colors, complete with the decorated elephants, colorful floats illustrating Mahabharata and Ramayana episodes, folk art performances such as Pulikali (tiger dance), Theyyam, and Chenda Melam (traditional percussion music). This is an authentic experience that determines the mood for the entire festival.

• Venue: Tripunithura, Ernakulam District

• Date: August 26, 2025 (Atham, the first day of Onam)

2. Thrikkakara Temple, Ernakulam - The Pulsating Center of Onam's Origin

Rated as the ancient capital of King Mahabali, the Thrikkakara Temple is of great importance during Onam. It's the only temple in Kerala worshipping Vamana (avatar of Lord Vishnu who exiled Mahabali to the underworld). The temple celebrates a nine-day festival with special pujas, cultural activities, traditional songs, and dance performances, giving a glimpse of the spiritual and historical beginnings of Onam.

• Venue: Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple, Thrikkakara, Ernakulam District

• Date: August 26 - September 5, 2025 (Through the 10 days of Onam, climaxing on Thiruvonam)

3. Thrissur - Land of the Thrilling Pulikali

Thrissur, Kerala's cultural hub, is also synonymous with the colorful Pulikali (Tiger Dance). Dozens of men painted into tigers and hunters dance to rhythmic tunes of traditional percussion instruments, marching around the Swaraj Round. It's a mesmerizing and lively spectacle that pulls in massive crowds and is a must-watch for its peculiar artistic presentation.

• Venue: Swaraj Round, Thrissur

• Date: September 8, 2025 (Fourth Onam, usually the following day after Thiruvonam, but occasionally on Thiruvonam itself - date may be slightly different every year)

4. Alappuzha (Alleppey) - Backwater Onam & Boat Races

Though the most popular Nehru Trophy Boat Race usually happens earlier or during the Onam festival, Onam in Alappuzha's backwaters is another special experience. Most houseboats and local communities have their own miniature, traditional boat races (Vallamkali) and Onam festival with the classic Onasadya (grand feast) on banana leaves as they sail the peaceful waters. Having Onam Sadya on a houseboat is a truly memorable local experience.

• Venue: Punnamada Lake and other backwaters of Alappuzha

• Time: During the Onam season, with important races such as Nehru Trophy in August, before Onam itself (specific 2025 dates for individual races to be finalized nearer the time, but the essence of Onam is present on the backwaters)

5. Aranmula, Pathanamthitta - Historic Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race

Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race is not just a race but a centuries-old ritual associated with the Sree Parthasarathy Temple. Taking place on the Pampa River, this ancient snake boat race is an awe-inspiring sight of devotion and tradition, with intricately designed snake boats decorated and propelled by well-trained oarsmen. It's a deeply spiritual and visually arresting experience.

• Venue: Pampa River, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District

• Date: September 7, 2025 (Uthrattathi, fifth day of Onam - definitive for 2025)

6. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) - State-Level Grandeur

As the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram organizes great Onam celebrations. Kanakakunnu Palace grounds are filled with cultural programs, folk dances, music concerts, and exhibitions. The whole town wears lights, and the last day ends with a grand procession of different art forms, floats, and cultural events depicting the essence of Kerala's heritage.

• Venue: Multiple locations all over Thiruvananthapuram, such as Kanakakunnu Palace and public grounds.

• Date: State-level festivities usually continue for a week after Thiruvonam (around September 5 - 12, 2025).

7. Palakkad - Watching Onathallu

For a traditional and unique local experience, travel to Palakkad to see Onathallu, a traditional wrestling/martial art form. Following the majestic Onasadya, men participate in friendly but intense bouts to prove their strength and agility. It's a lively and interactive community event representing the traditional practices of Onam.

• Venue: Various local grounds and temples in Palakkad District

• Date: Usually on Thiruvonam (September 5, 2025) or the next day.

8. Kottayam - Traditional Rural Festivals

Kottayam provides a calmer and truer rural Onam experience. There, you can see the complex Pookkalam (flower carpets) carefully spread in houses and public areas, engage in customary Onam games (Onakkalikal), and relish the warmth of the local hospitality with homemade Onasadya. The emphasis here is on community involvement and the maintenance of time-honoured traditions, far from the pompous tourist-oriented celebrations.

• Venue: Different villages and community centers of Kottayam District

• Date: During the Onam festival (August 26 - September 5, 2025).

Tips to Celebrate Onam Like a Local

To fully experience the Onam spirit and live it like a local, follow these tips:

• Adopt Traditional Wear: (For Women): The classic Onam wear is the Kasavu Saree (an off-white saree with a golden embroidery). You can also wear simple salwar kameez sets in celebratory colors such as green, yellow, or orange.(For Men): White Mundu or a white dhoti with a corresponding shirt or kurta is the best option.

• Take Part in Pookkalam Making: If you're a guest at a local family or a homestay, volunteer to assist with making the Pookkalam. This elaborate flower carpet is a daily ceremony during Onam, representing prosperity and welcoming King Mahabali. It's a lovely way to join in with the local custom.

• Enjoy the Onasadya: The Onasadya (grand vegetarian banquet) is the centerpiece of Onam.

• Etiquette: Traditionally, it is served on a new banana leaf and consumed using your right hand when seated on the floor (albeit some contemporary homes might be utilizing dining tables). There is a particular way that dishes get presented on the leaf. Don't hesitate to seek directions from your hosts.

• Indulge: Sample a little bit of all! From the range of curries (sambar, avial, kalan, thoran) to the ranges of payasam (sweet puddings), the Sadya is a gastronomic adventure.

• Learn a Few Malayalam Phrases: Even just some basic greetings like "Enthu vishesham?" (What's special?) or "Onam Ashamsakal!" (Happy Onam!) will make all the difference in connecting with the natives.

• Participate in Onakkalikal (Traditional Games): Several communities celebrate traditional Onam games such as Uriyadi (pot-breaking) or Vadamvali (tug-of-war). Don't hold back; these are good ways to engage and feel the festive spirit.

• Attend Local Temples: The first few days of Onam typically include visiting temples. Watching the prayers and rituals is likely to provide a better insight into the religious aspect of the festival.

• Open to Hospitality: The Keralites indeed have warm and generous natures, more so when the occasion is a festival. If invited to go home with the Onam-lit local home, enjoy the experience and be humble enough about their culture.

• Patronage to Local Artisans: Explore for some handmade item, traditional attire, or local produce at the markets to benefit the local economy and take home souvenirs directly from them.

Wherever you decide to celebrate Onam in Kerala, always keep in mind that the real essence of the festival comes from the communal happiness, community gatherings, and the delectable Onasadya bringing everyone together. Gird yourself to be surrounded by the rich culture, scrumptious cuisine, and the unmatched hospitality of the Kerala people.