Pookalam: The Floral Carpets
One of the most iconic sights of Onam is the Pookalam, an intricate floral carpet laid at the entrance of homes, offices, and hotels. These stunning creations are made to welcome the spirit of the mythical King Mahabali. The tradition begins on the first
day of the festival, Atham, with a simple design, and a new layer of fresh petals is added each morning. For travellers, experiencing the Pookalam is as simple as taking a walk. You will see them everywhere, from humble doorsteps to grand hotel lobbies. Many hotels and cultural centres also host Pookalam-making competitions, offering visitors a chance to watch the meticulous artistry up close or even participate in creating these beautiful, temporary masterpieces. This tradition beautifully symbolises prosperity and the community spirit of the festival.
Onasadya: The Grand Vegetarian Feast
No Onam experience is complete without partaking in the Onasadya, a magnificent vegetarian feast that is central to the celebration. Served on a fresh banana leaf, this multi-course meal can feature over 26 different dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Key dishes include staples like sambar, avial (mixed vegetables in coconut gravy), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), and a variety of pickles, chutneys, and crispy pappadams. The meal traditionally concludes with several types of payasam, a sweet pudding. For travellers, finding an Onasadya is easy during the festival season. Many restaurants across Kerala, from local eateries to five-star hotels in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, offer elaborate Sadya menus for dine-in or takeaway. Booking in advance is highly recommended as it's a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike.
Vallam Kali: The Snake Boat Races
For a dose of adrenaline, nothing beats the Vallam Kali, or snake boat race. These spectacular events see long, slender boats, known as Chundan Vallams, gliding through Kerala's backwaters, powered by up to 100 rowers paddling in perfect synchronisation. The air is filled with the sound of rhythmic chanting and cheering crowds, creating an electric atmosphere. While many races are held during the Onam season, the most famous is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, which often takes place in August. For 2026, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is scheduled for August 22nd. Travellers can buy tickets for pavilions to get a good view of the race on Punnamada Lake. It’s a powerful display of teamwork, community pride, and Kerala's deep connection to its waterways.
Pulikali: The Play of the Tigers
Held on the fourth day of Onam, Pulikali is one of the festival's most vibrant and playful traditions. In the city of Thrissur, hundreds of performers take to the streets with their bodies painted to resemble tigers and leopards, complete with masks and bells. They dance energetically to the thunderous beat of traditional percussion instruments like the chenda and thakil, mimicking the movements of a tiger hunt. This 200-year-old folk art form transforms Swaraj Round in Thrissur into a massive carnival, drawing crowds of over a lakh. For 2026, the main Pulikali procession in Thrissur is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th. For any traveller in the area, it is an unmissable spectacle of raw energy and artistic dedication.
Kaikottikali: The Graceful Clap Dance
Also known as Thiruvathirakali, this is a graceful and gentle group dance performed exclusively by women. Dressed in traditional white and gold Kerala sarees (mundu-neriyathu), the dancers move in a circular pattern around a lit lamp, clapping their hands in unison. The songs they sing often narrate tales from Hindu mythology, particularly those related to Lord Shiva and Parvati, or celebrate the return of King Mahabali. Kaikottikali is a celebration of marital bliss and feminine grace. While once a common sight in homes and villages, today travellers are most likely to see Kaikottikali performances as part of cultural programs organised by hotels, resorts, and local tourism bodies during the Onam festivities. It offers a serene and mesmerising contrast to the high-energy spectacle of the boat races and tiger dances.
