First Day of the Onam 2026
26 Aug, 2026
Wednesday
First Day of the Onam 2026 on
(26-08-2026)
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Who Celebrates Onam (ओणम)?
Onam is a very popular festival of the state of Kerala, India. Onam is also an official state holiday of Kerala. It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by Malayalees all over the state without any religion, castes, or creed.
Significance of Onam
According to a popular legend, this festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, believe that, his spirit visits Kerala during Onam. Onam is a Hindu festival but there is no discrimination between castes, all castes celebrate it together.
But this festival is mostly celebrated in Kerala and other neighbouring states of Kerala. Onam is a 10 days festival celebrated at the beginning of Chingam month, the first month according to the Malayalam calendar called Kollavarsham (कोल्लावर्षम).
It corresponds to the months between August and September according to the Gregorian calendar. The first day of Onam is called “Atham” and the last day or the tenth day of Onam is called “Thiruvonam (तिरुवोनम)”. Both are the most important during the Onam festival.
Origin of Onam Festival Story
The festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually falls in late August or September, and marks the annual homecoming of the Malayali King Mahabali.
This story is about King Asura, known as Maveli. He was a mythical king who ruled Kerala. He was highly respected in his kingdom and was considered wise and extremely generous. Everyone in his kingdom was happy.
Everyone enjoy this festival whether it is rich and the poor. There is no crime, nor corruption. due to his popularity, the gods became extremely worried and jealous. They felt threatened and decided to put an end to his rule. They asked Lord Vishnu to come to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin as “Vamana Avatar”. Vishnu asked Mahabali for 3 feet of land.
The kind Mahabali gave him the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually grew himself to cosmic proportions. With his first step, the Brahmin boy covered the entire earth and with the second step he covered the entire sky.
He then asked the king where the place was to place the third foot. King Mahabali bowed his head before Vamana with folded hands and asked him to place his last foot on his head to keep his promise.
The Brahmin placed his foot on the king's head and trampled Mahabali to the netherworld. There, the king requested Lord Vishnu to allow him to visit his land and people once a year, and Vishnu granted his wish.
By the way, during the Onam festival people visit and worship King Bali. The origin of Onam is believed to be associated with the "Thrikkakara Vamana Murthi Temple" in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
When Onam in 2026?
Onam is basically falls on the date of 26, August 2026, Wednesday.
