Onam-the harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated after the memory of King Mahabali. It was said that the King ruled Kerala long time ago and that he was a good King who looked after his people well. Thus Onam symbolizes the joyful rule of the King and the happiness that the people had under his rule. The people also have the belief that during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to visit his people.

The festivity begins ten days before Thiruonam, by putting floral decorations on every home. On Onam, everybody in the family would be wearing new clothes. Delicious sweetmeats and favourite vegetarian dishes would be cooked and served on banana leaves. One important item that would be visible outside each house is the pookalam a flower mat. This flower mat is like a symbol of welcoming the King Mahabali. During Onam, traditional rituals are performed and the people celebrate the occasion with a grand feast. One favourite dessert that would be served on the day is payasam a sweet & tempting porridge. In the evening girls perform the Kaikottikkali (Thiruvathirakkali) in the open, dancing around the traditional brass lamp. Thumbithullal is another dance performed during the Onam season.

Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like udukku and thakil.

The Vallamkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of Onam. For this boat race hundreds of men row the boats to the beat of drums and cymbals. An interesting thing to note is that above each boat there is a scarlet silk umbrella and gold coins are hung from the umbrellas. There are various boats, which also include the Chundans: the snake-like long boats that are shaped like snakes. This event is a very popular with many as various types of boats compete with each other to win the race. Many usually crowd around to catch the boat race and some cheer for their favorites to win.

Onam is for all people of all class and creed. Hindus, Muslims and Christians, the wealthy and the downtrodden, all celebrate Onam with equal flavour. The secular character of Onam is peculiar to this land where unity had always coexisted with diversity, especially during festivals, when people come together to celebrate life's unlimited joys. It is one festival that unites all people regardless of race and religion.