Day 1- Atham
The first day of Onam celebration starts with people visiting the temples in the morning. It is believed that King Mahabali starts his preparations to descend from Pathala (netherworld) to Kerala on this day.
The Onam celebrations across the state called Atthachamayam starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi, the place where Mahabali is believed to have been banished from the earth.
The traditional ritual of laying Pookalam (floral carpet) starts on Atham day.
The size of Pookalam on this day is called as Athapoo and is small in size and the size increases with each passing day of the festival. Only yellow flowers will be used on this day and the design will be simple.
Day 2- Chithira
On this day people start cleaning their houses and a second layer is added on the Pookalam desi.
Day 3 – Chodhi
On the third day of the festival, the Pookalam starts growing in size as several other layers of different flowers are added.
The families also go for shopping as the Onam festival is mostly associated with gifting new clothes and jewellery.
Day 4 – Vishakam
Vishakam is considered to be one of the most auspicious day of the Onam. Preparation of Onam sadhya begins with each member of the family contributing something to it.
Although the number of dishes varies from family to family most of them make 26 delicacies.
In olden days, the markets open their harvest sale on this day, making one of the busiest days in the markets for the public.
Day 5 – Anizham
On the fifth day, the Snake boats get ready to race in Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali.
This day is the most important day of the Onam celebration as Vallamkali- the snake boat race is flagged off.
Day 6 – Thriketa
By the sixth day, the Pookalam gets very large with at least 5 to 6 flowers added to the original design.
Families visit their ancestral home and exchange gifts with their dear ones.
Day 7 – Moolam
Moolam is filled with festivities as families visit each other and the smaller versions of traditional Ona Sadya (Onam special buffet lunch) start in many places. Most of the temples offer special sadhyas on from this day.
Festivities include Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali also performed in various functions. Some people also decorate a swing with flowers to celebrate the king’s homecoming.
Day 8 – Pooradam
On this day small statues of Mahabali and Vamana are taken around the house and put in the center of the Pookalam.
This is the day when Mahabali is finally invited to visit houses of people. From this day onwards, the statue will be called Onathappan.
The Pookalam design gets much bigger and complex from this day onwards.
Day 9 – Uthradam
This day is considered as Onam Eve. This is the most auspicious day for the purchase of fresh vegetables and fruits along with other provisions from the Thiruvonam day.
Traditional myths say that the king will spend the next four days touring his erstwhile kingdom and blessing the subjects.
Day 10 – Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is the final day of Onam festival. People clean their houses, apply rice flour batter on the main entrance (a traditional welcome sign), take an early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to needy.
The eldest female member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family.
Most cities in Kerala are lit up with lights and fabulous displays of fireworks. Sumptuous Onam Sadya feasts are prepared.
The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games normally seen in rural areas and are organized by resident associations, clubs etc. in large cities.
In some parts of Kerala, people indulge in various games and dances (Onakkalikal) during and post-Thiruvonam. These include Thiruvathirakali, Kummattikali, Pulikali etc.
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