Onam: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Women assembling the pookalam flower mat

Vishnu defeats Mahabali in three steps

Long, narrow snake boats with teams of rowers participate in a traditional Vallam Kali boat race on a river in Kerala, India, with spectators lining the opposite bank.

Group of performers with bodies painted as tigers and wearing tiger masks dance in a crowded Pulikali Tiger Dance procession during the Onam festival in Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Performers with bodies painted as tigers and wearing tiger masks dance in a crowded street during the Pulikali Tiger Dance for Onam festival in Thrissur, Kerala, India.

See All Images →

Topics

August September harvest festival Pongal Baisakhi Bihu Lohri Harvest Home Lammas Holi Durga Puja Chhath Puja Rathayatra