Customs of Onams

Besides the various rituals that are meant to be completed in individual households, there are a lot of customary activities that are organized at the level of society and city all over the state.
Athachamayam

Athachamyam is a grand procession that marks the beginning of the grand carnival of Onam

Snake Boat Race

The most enthralling and popular of all such customary events is the Vallamkali or the Snake Boat Race

Aranmula Uthrittathi

- This is another magnificent boat event organised in connection with Onam

Procession of Decked Elephants

Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala, marks the festival in its own beautiful style. Here, a procession of decorated elephants in carried out on the streets

Pulikali/Kaduvakali Performance

This is the most entertaining custom of Onam. In this performers take the guise of tiger

Kummattikali

This is folk dance from the state of Kerala

Athapoovu Competitions

Competitions for decorating Pookalams are organised all over the state

Kaikotti kali / Thiruvathirakali

In Kaikottikali women sing songs praising the legendary King Mahabali and dance around the pookalam.

Thumbi Thullal

Women also perform Thumbi Thullal as a custom in Onam