Pookkalam is set up on the floors of homes or public places during the Onam festival in the Malayalam month of Chingam to mark the homecoming of mythical King Mahabali

Every year, Kerala celebrates Onam, a unique festival that sees a surreal blend of tradition, art, culture, myriad flavours and aesthetics. According to mythology, Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali when he arrives from the nether world to visit his subjects once every year. The festival is also celebrated as part of the agrarian practices as it is during this time of the year that the farmers reap a bountiful harvest. Each nook and cranny gets decked up, and life is at its most glamorous during these times.

Read more about the fascinating legend behind the harvest festival of Kerala - Onam.

Athachamayam, a cultural gala conducted annually on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (August/September) at Thripunithura near Kochi. The procession includes caparisoned elephants, folk art forms and floats.

In Kerala’s Malabar region, Onam season sees the resurrection of many age-old art forms. Onapottan Theyyam is a rare tradition folk character who signifies the arrival of the King Mahabali. Donning a headgear and wearing heavy, vibrant makeup, and colourful costumes, Onapottan represents King Mahabali and visits houses during the Uthradam and Thiruvonam days of the Onam festival.

Food and celebrations have shared an inseparable bond since time immemorial. The scenario is no different during Onam, the most important and auspicious festival of Kerala. The Onasadhya, the grand traditional vegetarian lunch during Onam, is one of the main attractions of the festival.

Pulikali, or the dance of the tigers, is an event that has become synonymous with the festival of Onam in Kerala. The event is celebrated at the Swaraj Round in Thrissur district of Kerala