# Onam festival celebrations in Kerala

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/onam-festival-celebrations-in-kerala
> Updated: 2026-08-25T04:45:03.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

The ten-day Onam harvest festival in Kerala has reached its climax with the celebration of Thiruvonam. Despite ongoing yellow alerts from the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rain in several districts, festive activities continue, including the preparation of the ‘Onasadya’ feast and the purchase of ‘Onakkodi’ (new clothes).

In Thiruvananthapuram, the Department of Tourism is hosting celebrations at Kanakakkunnu Palace. These events integrate traditional arts with modern elements, such as a startup exhibition curated by the Kerala Startup Mission. The festivities at the palace are expected to culminate on August 30 with a grand procession featuring over 100 folk art forms.

To assist families with the increased financial demands of the holiday season, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has released August pensions early for 440,901 beneficiaries within the Kerala zone. This early disbursement was facilitated through the Centralised Pension Payment System.

## Claims

- Onam celebrates the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 2026 Onam celebrations begin with Atham on August 16. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The festival culminates with Thiruvonam on August 26, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 112 special trains have been arranged to ease the festival rush. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Kerala state government agencies observe a four-day public holiday from August 25 to August 28, 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Kerala celebrates Onam with cultural events and early pension payouts

Kerala celebrates the Thiruvonam climax of Onam with traditional festivities, cultural events at Kanakakkunnu Palace, and early pension disbursements by the EPFO for over 4.4 lakh beneficiaries.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-prepares-for-thiruvonam-harvest-festival-celebrations

### 2026-08-15: Kerala begins Onam festivities with Athachamayam celebrations

Kerala has begun its ten-day Onam festival with Atham celebrations and the Athachamayam procession in Thrippunithura. The state has also increased food safety inspections for the holiday season.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-onam-2026-celebrations-begin-with-atham-on-august-16

### 2026-08-11: Kerala Onam 2026 festival dates and traditions

The 10-day Onam festival in Kerala will run from August 16 to August 26, 2026, featuring traditional Pookalams, boat races, and feasts to honor the legend of King Mahabali.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-onam-2026-festival-dates-and-traditions

### 2026-08-05: Kerala's Onam Festival Highlights Sustainable Fair in Maradu

Kerala's Onam festival is celebrated with a month‑long sustainable fair in Maradu, featuring locally made products, workshops and cultural events organized by Local Sustainable Living.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/keralas-onam-festival-highlights-sustainable-fair-in-maradu

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Cite as: Onam festival celebrations in Kerala. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/onam-festival-celebrations-in-kerala