Overview

• The festival starts on August 26 with Atham, with most outlets placing the main Thiruvonam day on September 5, though one photogallery lists September 6.
• Athachamayam, the ceremonial kickoff, is set at the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple in Thripunithura near Kochi, where Athapookalam flower carpets begin with a single layer.
• Core customs highlighted this year include Pookalam floral designs, the multi-course Onam Sadya, Vallamkali snake boat races, and cultural performances such as Pulikali and Kathakali.
• Travel spotlights steer visitors to Thrissur for Pulikali, Alleppey for boat races, Kochi/Ernakulam for the opening procession, Thiruvananthapuram for temple rituals, and serene backwaters in Kumarakom, with Palakkad noted for Onathallu bouts.
• Coverage frames Onam as a harvest thanksgiving tied to the return of King Mahabali in Hindu mythology, linked to the Vamana avatar of Vishnu.