Kerala's Wayanad district set for week-long Onam festival celebrations

Wayanad district in Kerala is preparing for an extended week-long celebration of Onam, the region's most significant harvest festival, with a diverse programme of events scheduled across major tourist destinations until August 30.

The festivities will showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary attractions designed to engage both local residents and visitors. A centrepiece of the celebrations will be a mega floral carpet installation, a hallmark of Onam festivities that displays intricate designs using flowers and natural materials.

Sporting and recreational activities form a key component of the schedule. Events include 'Climb with Maveli', an adventure-based competition; kayaking races; tug-of-war contests; and mud football matches that add a contemporary twist to traditional celebrations. The programme will also feature Kaikottikali and Thiruvathira, traditional circle dances that are integral to Onam observances across Kerala.

By distributing events across multiple tourist destinations within the district, organisers aim to boost visitor engagement and distribute celebrations throughout Wayanad's varied landscape. The extended schedule allows both residents and tourists to participate in multiple events over the week, making the festival accessible to a wider audience.

Onam, celebrated across Kerala in August or September depending on the Malayalam calendar, marks the arrival of the harvest season and is observed with competitive sports, dance performances, and elaborate floral arrangements known as 'Pookalam'.