Onam spirit sweeps Keralam as students, locals join festivities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Onam festivities have commenced across Keralam, with people embracing the spirit of the harvest festival in their own unique ways. From traditional rituals at educational institutions to families crowding the markets for final shopping, the festive mood has begun to envelop the state as people come together to mark the season with joy and tradition.

#WATCH | Thrissur, Keralam | Heavy rush of devotees at Guruvayur Temple on the day of Thiruvonam, the most significant day of the 10-day Onam festival

Special arrangements have been made to facilitate darshan for all devotees visiting the temple. Priority is being given to… pic.twitter.com/TKRvBuhcVW

— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2026

Students of Srimathi Indira Gandhi College for Women near Chathiram Bus Stand in Tiruchirappalli celebrated Onam with traditional fervour, wearing Keralam’s traditional attire and participating in cultural programmes without differences of caste or religion.

The celebrations began with the college director Aparna and principal Gajalakshmi lighting the traditional kuthuvilakku. As part of the celebrations, the students decorated colourful Athapookalam (floral rangoli) using flowers of various hues and prepared traditional sweets to welcome Thiruvonam.

They also danced to Keralam’s traditional Onam songs and the beats of Chenda Melam, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.

On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Keralam living in India and abroad. pic.twitter.com/0lllo9Jzyn

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 26, 2026

Shoppers across Keralam’s Kannur explored the markets, flower shops and sweet stalls on the eve of Onam. The bustling pre-festival activity, known locally as ‘Uthrada Pachil’, is used to describe the last round of shopping for the celebration.

A day before Onam, the locals were seen making final purchases to celebrate the festival on Wednesday.

Onam is traditionally celebrated to mark the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival is observed for 10 days, beginning with the Atham star and culminating with Thiruvonam. This year, the grand Thiruvonam celebrations will be observed on August 26.

The festival is celebrated by people welcoming King Mahabali with floral decorations, cultural programmes and traditional dances at homes and in local communities. (ANI)