Rituals  

All the customs,rituals and traditions set by their ancestors are followed by the religeous people of Kerala. A number of cultural programmes, dances, songs and feasts mark the festival. 

* Atham Day
Atham is the first day of celebration.The day is very holy and auspicious and the people take early bath on the day and offer prayers in the temples. 

'Pookkallam',making of the flower carpet starts from this day which is very remarkable. 'Attha Poo' is prepared by girls in the frontage of courtyards to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali.Boys help in gathering flowers.

'Thiru Onam' begins in a big way in indivisual styles.House cleaning starts on a big scale and everything is made to look neat and tidy. There is also a set breakfast consisting of steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). This remains the same till the day of Thiru Onam.The youngsters take great delight in swinging and singing on the swings decorated with flowers and tied on the branches of trees.

* Ninth day-Utradam
A day prior to Onam is the ninth day of the festivities and is known as 'Utradam'. On this day members of the families give presents to 'Karanavar', the eldest member of the family,like farm products consisting of vegetables, coconut oil etc.This gift from the family members are called 'Onakazhcha'. The Karanavar in return for Onakazhcha offers a treat to the members of family.

* Thiru Onam
This is a very remarkable day of Cultural extravaganza, music and feasts which adds colours of happiness and joy to Kerala.People wake up as early as 4 am on the day of Onam. Day begins with cleaning of the houses.

On this day conical figures of sticky clay,painted in red are made and are decorated with a paste made of rice-flour and water,which are placed in the front court yard and other important places in the house.Some of these clay models are in the shape of cone, and figures of Gods.The tradition of making clay cones for Trikkara Appan has its roots in mythology,which says that festival originated at Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Cochin. Trikkara is also said to be the capital in the reign of legendary King Maveli.

A senior member of the house plays the role of the priest and conducts the rituals with Elaborate prayers As Onam is a harvest festival,people thank God for the bountiful harvest and pray for the blessings in the forth coming years. Later a traditional custom called,'Aarppu Vilikkukal',is followed wherein the men make loud and rhythmic shouts of joys,which represents the beginning of Onam. 

Later the people dress up nicely in new clothes and offer prayers in the local temples.As per the tradition,the eldest member of the family, gives new clothes as gifts, called Onapudava, to all family members and servants.Other family members also exchange gifts among themselves.

The Big Feast - Onasadya 
After completing the morning rituals, it is time for the family to get ready for the grand meal called Onasadya. The biggest and most prominent place in the house is selected to lay the meal which is traditionally served in a row on a mat laid on the floor. 

The central place in the row is occupied by the eldest member of the family. In front of him is placed a lighted brass lamp at a distance. Towards the west of the lamp is placed a small plantain leaf on which the food is served. This is an offering made in the name of Lord Ganapathy. 

Later on,the food is served to all . The elaborate meal consists of various vegetarian dishes and is served on banana leaves.

* Time of Enjoyment
After the grand meal,people indulge in to recreational activities,when the strong men participate in rigorous sports and senior members play indoor games like chess,cards etc.The traditional games to be played on Onam are collectively called, 'Onakalikal',which includes outdoor games such as - ball games, combats, archery and Kutukutu,which is similar to the game Kabaddi played in Maharshtra.

Dances like Kaikottikali and Thumbi Thullal are performed by the women,which is are very graceful clap dances.Besides, there is also a tradition of playing on a decorated swing hung from a high branch. Onappaattu - Onam Songs, are also sung on the occasion.

Celebrations and cultural programmes are held all across the state to mark the festival of Onam in which a large number of people participate. Prominent amongst them are Vallamkali- the Snake Boat Race and entertaining events like Kummatti kali and Pulikali. The other highpoint of Onam is the dazzling display of fire works. The state of Kerala can be seen engulfed in light and spirit of merriment when people burst patassu or fire crackers.

                                                   Legend

* The King Mahabali
This is about the mythological King Mahabali who brought the golden age to Kerala.The king was so loved and popular among people that the Gods could not bear it and  seeked help from Lord Vishnu who was worshiped by King Mahabali.Later,Lord Vishnu took the avatar of 'Vaman', a poor and dwarf Brahmin and came to the kingdom of Mahabali.Mahabali had just finished his morning prayers and gave boons to the brahmin,Vaman.

The brahmin,who was lord Vishnu, asked for the stretch of land which could be covered by his three strides. The King happily agreed to his demand. Suddenly,the brahmin, Vamana grwe into a huge cosmic size and covered the whole of the sky with his one stride and with the other one he covered the whole of earth. Then he asked for a place to put his third stride.

Mahabali realised that the brahmin was not an ordinary Brahmin and asked hima to to put his third stride on his head. Immediately the boy did it and king Mahabali was pushed into the nether world, 'Patal'.With his generousity, Lord Vishnu was pleased and granted him a boon.The King,who loved his people,said he would like to visit Kerala and his people every year. Lord Vishnu granted him his demand.So,once a year the king comes back home to Kerala, to visit his people and the day is celebrated as Onam.Also.the king was released from the cycle of life and death,hence Onam is celebrated by wearing new clothes and people lead to live a new life of love and affection.