From vibrant pookkalams to traditional feasts, Keralites around the globe celebrate Thiruvonam

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Children and youngsters vied with each to create the best pookkalams in the courtyaards and share their creations with family and friends. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

For Malayalis in Keralam and around the world, Wednesday (August 26, 2026) dawned with the excitement of the much-awaited Thiruvonam, which caps the 10-day Onam festivities that kick off on Atham day in the Malayalam almanac.

Onam, which has come to be identified by vibrant pookkalams (flower carpets), sumptuous sadyas, golden-bordered traditional attire, and traditional games, is also a time when Malayalis around the globe return home to share in the joy and festivities with loved ones. Families spanning generations get together and enjoy the day.

Those who are unable to reunite with family members in ‘God’s Own Country’ try and recapture the spirit of the festivities wherever they are, complete with the pookkalam, Onasadya, songs and dance, and the traditional swings.

While many older traditions evolve with changing times, the fervour of the celebrations remains the same.

Onam festival celebrations at at Vellore Kerala Samajam at Thotapalayam. | Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy

Temples, including the famed Guruvayur Sreekrishna temple, drew a large number of people, dressed in traditional attire, despite the rain in several parts of the State.

Preparations for the Onam feast also began early in many homes, even as others, especially women, decided to kick back a little and tuck into sadyas delivered by hotels and caterers. Olan, erisseri, kaalan, sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi, pulinji, inji thayir, pickle, pappadom, and payasam, often more than one, were served on plantain leaves for the authentic touch.

Communities such as residents’ associations and clubs organised joint celebrations with a host of events such as vadamvali, uriyadi, and Onapattu planned to engage both the young and the old.

Children and youngsters vied with each to create the best pookkalams in the courtyaards and share their creations with family and friends.

Kerala Tourism’s week-long Onam celebrations with illuminations and events planned at various venues across the State capital are another highlight of the celebrations.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan have all extended Onam greetings to all citizens.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.