{"id":494819,"date":"2026-07-31T13:21:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/?p=494819"},"modified":"2026-07-31T13:21:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:21:47","slug":"onam-festival-in-kerala-8-must-try-experiences-for-your-2026-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/onam-festival-in-kerala-8-must-try-experiences-for-your-2026-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Onam Festival in Kerala: 8 Must-Try Experiences for Your 2026 Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There&#8217;s this one week every year when Kerala just glows differently. Gold-bordered mundus everywhere, the smell of banana leaves and payasam drifting out of every home, high-energy boat races and much more. That&#8217;s the Onam festival in Kerala for you and honestly, no photo does it justice. You need to experience it in person to understand the hype. Good news though, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/mumbai-to-kochi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheap flights to Kochi<\/a> are pretty easy to find around this season if you book on time. Anyone planning a trip around this time is in for something less like sightseeing, more like getting adopted by an entire state for ten days straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Watch the Spectacular Snake Boat Races<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-group-of-people-rowing-boats-BXQd82lZXbk?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/anantha-krishnan-BXQd82lZXbk-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"Snake Boat Race\" class=\"wp-image-494725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/anantha-krishnan-BXQd82lZXbk-unsplash-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/anantha-krishnan-BXQd82lZXbk-unsplash-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/anantha-krishnan-BXQd82lZXbk-unsplash-1-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/anantha-krishnan-BXQd82lZXbk-unsplash-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Snake Boat Race<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-group-of-people-rowing-boats-BXQd82lZXbk?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anantha Krishnan\/Unsplash<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture a hundred oarsmen, one drumbeat, and a boat that&#8217;s basically a floating village sprinting across backwaters. The vallam kali races are loud, chaotic, and weirdly emotional to watch. Aranmula and Alappuzha host the big ones, and catching this during the Onam festival in Kerala is honestly non-negotiable. It&#8217;s worth checking out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-alleppey-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best hotels in Alleppey<\/a> ahead of time too, since backwater stays fill up fast during race season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Places to See the Boat Race:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aranmula Boat Race, held on the Pamba River near the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha (Punnamada Lake)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Champakulam Moolam Boat Race &#8211; one of the oldest in Kerala<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payippad Jalotsavam near Haripad<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Witness Pulikali (Tiger Dance)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/puli-kali-recreational-folk-art-state-2520573955?trackingId=884ed713-a343-41a4-a45f-6cd859d1abd1&amp;listId=searchResults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/Shutterstock_2520573955.jpg\" alt=\"Pulikali dance performance\" class=\"wp-image-486357\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Pulikali dance performance<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/puli-kali-recreational-folk-art-state-2520573955?trackingId=884ed713-a343-41a4-a45f-6cd859d1abd1&amp;listId=searchResults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NEK PHOTOS\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Thrissur turns into a giant, roaring canvas when Pulikali performers paint themselves as tigers and hunters and just dance through the streets. Travellers chasing the Kerala Onam festival 2026 buzz should build a day around this alone, because photos genuinely undersell how wild it looks in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best places to see the Tiger Dance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thrissur Swaraj Round &#8211; the main Pulikali procession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Palakkad town<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local cultural clubs in Kochi and Kottayam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Enjoy Traditional Kaikottikali Dance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Women in cream-and-gold sarees, clapping in rhythm, circling around a lit lamp or a pookalam; Kaikottikali is graceful in a way that sneaks up on you. It&#8217;s slower, gentler than the street performances, but no less central to the Onam festival in Kerala. Villages and cultural centres often welcome visitors to just sit, watch and get involved in the dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to see Kaikottikali Dance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Temple courtyards across Kerala<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kerala Folklore Academy events in Thrissur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local Onam club celebrations (kalari and cultural sanghams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Village community halls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Visit a Decorated Temple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/dileesh-kumar-lOTWvM2Xc74-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"Decorated temple\n\" class=\"wp-image-494890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/dileesh-kumar-lOTWvM2Xc74-unsplash-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/dileesh-kumar-lOTWvM2Xc74-unsplash-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/dileesh-kumar-lOTWvM2Xc74-unsplash-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/dileesh-kumar-lOTWvM2Xc74-unsplash-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Decorated temple<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-building-with-a-red-roof-and-orange-flowers-hanging-from-it-lOTWvM2Xc74?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dileesh Kumar\/Unsplash<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Temples during this season look ethereal: oil lamps in long rows, flower garlands stacked high, that low hum of chenda drums somewhere in the background. Guruvayur and Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara (the mythological home of Onam itself) both go all out for this Onam celebration in Kerala, and this is where the Onam festival in Kerala feels most sacred, like stepping into a story someone&#8217;s grandparent used to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flying down south? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/navi-mumbai-to-thiruvananthapuram-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cheap flights to Thiruvananthapuram<\/a> make it simple to cover the capital&#8217;s temples in the same trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best temples to visit during Onam:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attukal Bhagavathy Temple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/onam-festival-guide-discover-keralas-grandest-celebration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Onam 2026 Festival Guide: Discover Kerala\u2019s Grandest Celebration<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Explore and Shop in Onam Markets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/puppets-and-souvenirs-displayed-on-a-large-tree-1wI9oz3oN0o?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/wandering-indian-1wI9oz3oN0o-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"Local market in Kerala\n\" class=\"wp-image-494892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/wandering-indian-1wI9oz3oN0o-unsplash-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/wandering-indian-1wI9oz3oN0o-unsplash-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/wandering-indian-1wI9oz3oN0o-unsplash-1-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/wandering-indian-1wI9oz3oN0o-unsplash-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Local market in Kerala<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/puppets-and-souvenirs-displayed-on-a-large-tree-1wI9oz3oN0o?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wandering Indian\/Unsplash<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Markets get properly chaotic this time of year, flower stalls, banana chip vendors, fireworks, new clothes, all crammed into narrow lanes buzzing with bargaining. Kochi&#8217;s Broadway and Thrissur&#8217;s local bazaars rank high among <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/discover-the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-during-onam-in-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">places to visit during Onam in Kerala<\/a> and wandering through with zero agenda might honestly be the best part of the whole trip. Basing the stay around some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-kochi-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best hotels in Kochi<\/a> makes hopping between these markets a lot less tiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best things to buy from Onam markets:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fresh flowers (marigold, chrysanthemum, jasmine for pookalam) and banana leaves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kerala banana chips and jaggery-coated sharkara varatti<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aranmula metal mirrors and traditional brassware as keepsakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firecrackers and small clay lamps sold specially for the season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kasavu sarees, mundus, and gold-bordered fabric bundles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Wear Traditional Kerala Attire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-group-of-women-walking-down-a-street-next-to-tall-buildings-kTrGJgfk1r8?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/ajin-k-s-kTrGJgfk1r8-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"People visiting temple wearing traditional clothes\" class=\"wp-image-494893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/ajin-k-s-kTrGJgfk1r8-unsplash-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/ajin-k-s-kTrGJgfk1r8-unsplash-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/ajin-k-s-kTrGJgfk1r8-unsplash-1-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/ajin-k-s-kTrGJgfk1r8-unsplash-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>People visiting temple wearing traditional clothes<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-group-of-women-walking-down-a-street-next-to-tall-buildings-kTrGJgfk1r8?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ajin K S\/Unsplash<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Slipping into a kasavu mundu or setting mundu just changes something, even for visitors. There&#8217;s a quiet pride in the fabric, gold thread catching light, that ties directly into the Onam festival 2026 celebrations happening all around. Local weaving cooperatives and shops make it easy to pick one up, and honestly, it makes every photo from the trip look ten times better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best markets to get traditional Kerala outfits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chalai Market, Thiruvananthapuram<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jew Town, Mattancherry (Kochi)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thrissur&#8217;s Round<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balaramapuram, near Thiruvananthapuram<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Enjoy an Authentic Onam Sadya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/sadya-dish-on-banana-leaf-5410418\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saveurssecretes-9266190-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Onasadya\" class=\"wp-image-494706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saveurssecretes-9266190-1-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saveurssecretes-9266190-1-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saveurssecretes-9266190-1-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saveurssecretes-9266190-1-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Onasadya<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/sadya-dish-on-banana-leaf-5410418\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saveurs Secretes\/Pexels<\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Twenty-something dishes, one banana leaf, zero regrets, the Onam Sadya is less a meal and more an event. Sambar, avial, payasam, pickles piled on in a sequence that somehow makes sense once it&#8217;s in front of someone. Experiencing the Onam festival in Kerala 2026 without sitting down for a full Sadya would honestly be missing the whole point, and the Onam festival in Kerala really does revolve around this table. For anyone not keen on planning every meal separately, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/kerala-tour-packages\">all-inclusive Kerala tour packages<\/a> usually build the Sadya right into the itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All dishes in an Onam Sadya:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Steamed rice, served with a ladle of ghee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sambar, rasam, and parippu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avial, thoran, olan, and kaalan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pachadi and kichadi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Erissery, pulissery, and pickles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pappadam and banana chips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payasam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Create a Beautiful Pookalam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/close-up-photo-of-flower-petals-arrangement-13752953\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saranindokera-13752953-1.jpg\" alt=\"Pookalam\n\" class=\"wp-image-494895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saranindokera-13752953-1.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saranindokera-13752953-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saranindokera-13752953-1-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/pexels-saranindokera-13752953-1-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Pookalam<br>Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/close-up-photo-of-flower-petals-arrangement-13752953\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saran Indokera\/Pexels<\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Every morning during the ten-day run-up, doorsteps bloom with flower rangoli, a little bigger and bolder each day until Thiru Onam. Making one, even a lopsided first attempt, connects visitors to this Onam celebration 2026 in a way nothing else quite does. Kids, grandparents, and the occasional confused tourist all end up on the ground together, arranging petals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Things needed to create a Pookalam:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fresh flowers in varied colours &#8211; marigold, chrysanthemum, jasmine, etc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rice flour or coloured kolam powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banana leaves or leaf trimmings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planning to skip town this Onam? Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online visa services for 180+ countries<\/a> and let the holiday begin a little sooner.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wrapping Up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ten days, a hundred small rituals, a whole state making room for everyone, that&#8217;s the real magic of the Onam festival in Kerala. Between the boat races, the dances, the markets, and that legendary Sadya, there&#8217;s something for every kind of traveller. Pack light, arrive hungry, let Kerala do the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to plan the trip? Drop a comment below and let&#8217;s talk Onam 2026 itineraries!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Onam festival in Kerala<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which date is Onam in 2026 in Kerala?<br><\/strong>The main day of Onam, known as Thiruvonam, falls on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The entire 10-day carnival starts earlier on Monday, August 17, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the story behind Onam?<br><\/strong>The festival celebrates the annual return of the mythical, beloved King Mahabali to his homeland of Kerala. Even though he was sent to the underworld by Lord Vishnu, he was granted a wish to visit his subjects once every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Onam is celebrated for 10 days?<br><\/strong>Each of the ten days represents the time it takes for King Mahabali to prepare for, travel, and complete his earthly visit. It allows locals enough time to welcome him with daily growing floral carpets, traditional dances, and festive preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which god is worshipped on Onam?<br><\/strong>While Onam honors the memory of King Mahabali, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar. Clay pyramids representing both Vamana and Mahabali, called Thrikkakara Appan, are installed in households for prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the main festival of Kerala?<br><\/strong>Onam is universally recognized as the state festival and the biggest cultural celebration in Kerala. It transcends all religious boundaries, bringing together people from all communities to celebrate the harvest season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which is the main day for Onam?<br><\/strong>The tenth day, called Thiruvonam, is the most important day of the entire festival. This is when families gather for the grand Sadhya feast and lay out the largest, most intricate floral designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to find budget hotels near tourist attractions in India?<br><\/strong>Use major platforms like Akbar Travels, then use smart filters, fix your budget and find your hotel. Booking a few weeks early or looking at highly rated homestays usually gives the best deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are the baggage policies of popular Indian airlines?<br><\/strong>Most domestic carriers like IndiGo and Air India offer 15 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of cabin baggage for standard economy tickets. Air India is sometimes more generous, giving you up to 25 kg for checked bags on certain domestic routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can we show soft copy of id proof at airport india?<br><\/strong>Yes, you can absolutely show a digital ID, but it needs to be through the government-approved DigiLocker app on your phone. A regular screenshot or a basic photo of your ID on your camera roll might get rejected by airport security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore More<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/the-most-beautiful-kerala-backwaters-to-explore-during-onam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Most Beautiful Kerala Backwaters to Explore During Onam: Where Slow Days Meet Vibrant Traditions<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/onam-boat-races-in-kerala-you-cant-miss-a-game-of-snakes-backwaters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Onam Boat Races in Kerala That Will Hook You: The Game of Snakes &amp; Backwaters<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/shine-the-festive-spotlight-on-keralas-best-places-to-celebrate-onam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Updated List of Kerala\u2019s Top Places to Celebrate Onam 2025: Can You Guess the Best?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-13\"><strong>Akbar Travels Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Best Flight Deals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/mumbai-to-new-delhi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Delhi Flight Tickets<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/mumbai-to-bangalore-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Bangalore Flight Tickets<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/kolkata-to-mumbai-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kolkata to Mumbai Flight Tickets<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/international\/kochi-to-abu-dhabi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kochi to Abu Dhabi Flight Tickets<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/international\/lucknow-to-riyadh-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lucknow to Riyadh Flight Tickets<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/domestic\/new-delhi-to-ahmedabad-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Ahmedabad Flight Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Domestic Flights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/pune-bangalore-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pune to Bangalore Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/chennai-delhi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chennai to Delhi Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/bangalore-chennai-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bangalore to Chennai Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/mumbai-delhi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Delhi Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/bangalore-hyderabad-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;Bangalore to Hyderabad Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/ahmedabad-goa-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ahmedabad to Goa Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/mumbai-kolkata-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Kolkata Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/hyderabad-delhi-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hyderabad to Delhi Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/bangalore-goa-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bangalore to Goa Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/domestic\/mumbai-goa-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Goa Flights<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>International Flights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/travel\/international-flights-booking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Flights Booking<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-dubai-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Dubai Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-bangkok-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Bangkok Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-toronto-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Toronto Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/mumbai-to-dubai-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Dubai Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-singapore-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Singapore Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-london-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to London Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-kathmandu-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to Kathmandu Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/mumbai-london-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to London Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/chennai-singapore-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chennai to&nbsp; Singapore Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/mumbai-singapore-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mumbai to Singapore Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/delhi-newyork-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delhi to New York Flights<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/international\/kolkata-bangkok-flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kolkata to Bangkok Flights<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br>Best Hotel Deals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-dubai-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Dubai&nbsp;<\/a>|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-mumbai-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Mumbai India<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-pune-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Pune India<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-singapore-singapore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Singapore<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-kochi-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Kochi India<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-munnar-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Munnar India<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-bangkok-thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Bangkok Thailand<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-kuala-lumpur-malaysia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-mecca-saudia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Mecca Saudi Arabia<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/city\/cheap-hotels-mahabalipuram-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotels In Mahabalipuram&nbsp;India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Apply Visa Online<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/dubai-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dubai Visa Online<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/14-days-dubai-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14 days Dubai Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/30-days-dubai-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30 days Dubai Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/60-days-dubai-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">60 days Dubai Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/96-hours-dubai-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dubai Transit Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/uae-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UAE Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/singapore-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Singapore Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/malaysia-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Malaysia Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/visa\/thailand-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand Visa<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a 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class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>International Tour Packages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/dubai-tour-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dubai Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/singapore-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Singapore Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/thailand-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/malaysia-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Malaysia Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/sri-lanka-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Lanka Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/united-states-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/united-kingdom-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">United Kingdom Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/south-africa-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Africa Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/europe-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/bali-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bali Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/mauritius-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mauritius Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/international-tour-packages\/maldives-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maldives Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/cruises\/cordelia-cruises\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cordelia Cruise Packages<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Domestic Tour Packages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">India Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/goa-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goa Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/kerala-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kerala Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/leh-ladakh-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leh Ladakh Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/himachal-pradesh-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Himachal Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/andaman-and-nicobar-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andaman Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/rajasthan-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rajasthan Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/uttarakhand-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uttarakhand Tour Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/india-tour-packages\/jammu-and-kashmir-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Packages by Themes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/honeymoon-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Honeymoon Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/adventure-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTERhttps:\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/adventure-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adventure Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/visa-on-arrival-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visa on Arrival Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/family-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTERhttps:\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/family-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Family Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/romantic-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTERhttps:\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/romantic-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Romantic Packages<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/holidays\/theme\/getaways-packages?utm_source=FOOTER&amp;utm_medium=WEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=HOLIDAYSFOOTER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weekend Getaways Packages<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There&#8217;s this one week every year when Kerala just glows differently. Gold-bordered mundus everywhere, the smell of banana leaves and payasam drifting out of every home, high-energy boat races and much more. That&#8217;s the Onam festival in Kerala for you and honestly, no photo does it justice. You need to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":494926,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[240,1402],"tags":[2501,12537,12536,12567,3648,12550,12549],"class_list":["post-494819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals-events","category-travel-tips-guides","tag-kerala-onam-sadya","tag-onam","tag-onam-2026","tag-onam-celebrations-in-2026","tag-onam-festival-in-india","tag-onam-in-kerala","tag-places-to-visit-during-onam-in-kerala"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Onam Festival in Kerala: 8 Must-Try Experiences for Your 2026 Trip<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Experience the Onam festival in Kerala with 8 must-try traditions, from snake boat races and Onam Sadya to Pulikali 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