New Delhi: Thriketta, the sixth day of the 10-day Onam celebrations, is a time when the festival begins to take on a more devotional character. Across
Kerala, pookalams become more elaborate, families start coming together for the celebrations and temple visits become an important part of the festive routine. The day also offers travellers an opportunity to see Onam beyond its familiar feasts, floral decorations and cultural programmes.
Kerala is home to several temples whose histories and traditions are closely intertwined with the festival. Some are linked to the legend of King Mahabali, while others become particularly vibrant during the Onam season because of their distinctive rituals and celebrations. If you are planning to explore Kerala during Thriketta, these temples can give you a glimpse into the religious traditions that have remained an integral part of Onam over the years.
Key temples to visit during Thriketta
Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple
If you want to experience the religious traditions surrounding the story of Onam, Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple in Ernakulam is an important stop. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is traditionally associated with the legend of King Mahabali. Kerala Tourism describes Thrikkakara as a central location for Onam celebrations, with a 10-day festival held at the temple.
The temple’s Onam festivities include rituals, pookalam arrangements and the traditional Onam Sadya. The celebrations culminate around Thiruvonam, making the temple particularly vibrant throughout the festival period.
- Location: Edappally-Pukkattupady Road, Vidya Nagar Colony, Thrikkakara, Kochi.
Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple
Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is among Kerala’s most revered Krishna temples and draws large numbers of devotees during the Onam season. The temple observes several special traditions during the festival, making Guruvayur an important pilgrimage destination at this time of year.
Located in Guruvayur, the temple is known for its elaborate daily rituals and strong devotional atmosphere. Visitors should check the temple’s latest rules and timings before travelling, as entry and dress requirements can be specific to the shrine.
- Location: East Nada, Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala.
Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple
Situated on the banks of the Pamba River in Pathanamthitta district, Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is another significant destination during the Onam season. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is particularly famous for its centuries-old Valla Sadya, a grand ritual feast associated with the Palliyodams, or traditional snake boats.
The feast is offered to Lord Parthasarathy and features more than 60 traditional vegetarian dishes. The participating boatmen traditionally sing Vanchippattu while asking for different dishes, making the feast as much a cultural spectacle as a religious offering.
The temple also becomes part of Kerala’s vibrant boat-race and Onam traditions, making it an interesting destination for visitors looking to experience the festival beyond the usual celebrations.
- Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
Temple visit etiquette
Kerala temples follow traditional dress codes, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect the customs of each shrine. At temples with stricter rules, western clothing are not permitted.
- For men: A mundu, the traditional white or cream dhoti worn around the waist, is required. At certain shrines, men may also be required to enter the inner sanctum bare-chested.
- For women: Sarees, set-mundu and salwar kameez or churidar paired with a proper dupatta are generally suitable choices.
- Electronic items: Some temple complexes restrict mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches and other electronic devices, particularly in areas close to the sanctum.
A visit to these temples during Thriketta not only offer a spiritual experience. It is also a chance to see how Onam’s stories, rituals, food and community traditions continue to shape Kerala’s cultural heritage.
