Onam 2026 (Thiruvonam) — Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Onam is Kerala's grand 10-day harvest festival marking the annual return of King Mahabali to visit his people. Thiruvonam — the most auspicious day — falls on the Shravana (Thiruvonam) nakshatra in Chingam masam.
When is Onam 2026 (Thiruvonam)?
Onam 2026 (Thiruvonam) falls on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
- Date: 26 August 2026
- Tithi: Chaturdashi (Shukla)
- Nakshatra: Shravana (Thiruvonam)
- Sun Rashi: Simha (Leo)
- Masa: Chingam (Malayalam solar month)
- Presiding Deity: Mahabali (king) and Vamana (Lord Vishnu's 5th avatar)
Significance
Onam celebrates the legendary King Mahabali, the benevolent Asura ruler whose just reign was a golden age for Kerala. According to legend, the gods grew jealous of his popularity, and Lord Vishnu took the Vamana (dwarf Brahmin) avatar to test him. Mahabali, true to his word, granted Vamana three steps of land — only to find Vamana grow cosmic, covering all three worlds in two steps. For the third, Mahabali humbly offered his head. Vishnu sent him to Patala but granted him one wish: to visit his people once a year. Onam marks this annual visit. Homes are decorated with Pookalam (floral carpets), the elaborate Onam Sadya (26-dish feast) is served, and the spirit of equality Mahabali stood for is celebrated.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
- Atham (Day 1, 17 Aug): Make the first small Pookalam (floral carpet) outside the home with a single circle of yellow flowers.
- Days 2-9: Add new circles to Pookalam each day, growing larger with more flower varieties.
- Thiruvonam (Day 10, 26 Aug): Wake before sunrise, take a ritual bath, wear new traditional Kerala attire.
- Complete the final 10-circle Pookalam with marigolds, jasmine, hibiscus, and other auspicious flowers.
- Place Vamana (clay or metal idol) at the center of Pookalam to symbolically welcome Mahabali.
- Light traditional Nilavilakku (brass oil lamp) at dawn.
- Prepare Onam Sadya — the 26-dish vegetarian feast served on banana leaf.
- Family gathers, elders bless the young, gifts (Onakkodi — new clothes) are exchanged.
- Watch Vallam Kali (snake boat race) or Pulikali (tiger dance) festivities.
- In the evening, Onaviloo (rice offering) is made to Mahabali.
Auspicious Muhurat & Timings
Thiruvonam tithi prevails throughout 26 August 2026. Most auspicious for Onam Sadya: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (when Mahabali is believed to visit each home).
Mantras
ॐ नमो भगवते वामनाय
Salutations to Lord Vamana, the cosmic dwarf avatar of Vishnu.
बलिर्विरोचनस्य सुतः धर्मात्मा सत्यपराक्रमः
Bali, son of Virochana, was righteous and true in his might.
✓ Do's
- Create a fresh Pookalam every day from Atham (Day 1) to Thiruvonam (Day 10).
- Light Nilavilakku at dawn and dusk on Thiruvonam.
- Serve Onam Sadya on a fresh banana leaf — start eating only after all dishes are served.
- Wear traditional Kerala dress (Mundu for men, Kerala saree for women).
- Visit elders for their blessings (Onakkodi tradition).
- Share food generously — the spirit of Mahabali's equal society.
✗ Don'ts
- Don't waste food during Sadya — it's sacred.
- Don't serve non-vegetarian food on Onam — strictly vegetarian.
- Don't step on the Pookalam — walk around it.
- Don't allow caste/class discrimination — Onam celebrates equality.
- Don't fight or argue — Mahabali's visit is meant to bring joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Onam in 2026?
Thiruvonam (the main day of Onam) 2026 falls on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 — the day of the Shravana (Thiruvonam) nakshatra in Chingam (Malayalam solar) masam. The full 10-day celebration begins on Atham (Monday, 17 August 2026).
What are the 10 days of Onam called?
In order: Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam (the main day, 10th). Each day corresponds to a specific nakshatra and adds a circle to the Pookalam.
What is the Onam Sadya?
Onam Sadya is the traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with up to 26 dishes including rice, sambar, rasam, avial, thoran, olan, kalan, pachadi, payasam (4-5 varieties), papadam, banana, and pickle. Eating order and leaf orientation are ritually prescribed.
Is Onam a Hindu festival?
Onam is a cultural festival celebrated by ALL Keralites — Hindus, Christians, and Muslims — irrespective of religion. While its mythological roots are Hindu (Mahabali / Vamana), it is observed as Kerala's state festival and a celebration of equality and harmony.
Dates computed using Lahiri (Chitra-paksha) ayanamsa for Hyderabad reference longitude. Other locations may differ by 1-2 hours for tithi start/end timings. For your specific city, use our Today's Panchangam tool.