Onam is the vibrant festival of Kerala, celebrated to honour Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu and the generous king Mahabali. It is a festival celebrating unity, with happiness, excitement, and Onam decorations beautifying every corner. As the traditional onam song goes, “Maveli naadu vaanidum kaalam, manushyarellarum onnu poole,” which translates as “in the period of Maveli’s (Mahabali) rule, all humans were like equals.”

In this blog, we explore Onam decoration ideas for your home interiors that blend culture, creativity, and tradition.

The Story of Onam

After the defeat of Lord Indra, the king of gods, by Mahabali, the king of demons, the gods approached Lord Vishnu to help defeat King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu hesitated first because he knew Mahabali was a good king. He incarnates himself as Vamana, a priest, and requests Mahabali for 3 steps of land as the king was giving gifts to his people. Mahabali agreed, and Vamana grows in cosmic size. In 3 steps, he seized the entire universe, and order was restored. Vamana banished King Mahabali to hell. Touched by the love of Mahabali for his subjects, Mahabali was granted permission to return to his people once every year. Onam is a celebration of Mahabali’s return to his people. In the Malayalam calendar, Onam falls on Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam. In the Gregorian calendar, Onam falls between August and September.

Pookkalam: A Floral Treat

The iconic element of every Onam celebration that scintillates vibrant emotions of ecstasy are the floral designs—Pookkalam. Pookalam is made by families, kids, students, and people of all ethnicities and religions. Alongside the visual pleasure it gives, the scent of flowers makes it more immersive. Here are some of the important flowers you will need to create a pookkalam in your home interiors.

1. Chethi (Ixora coccinea): red and pink colours

2. Chemparathy (Hibiscus): red and pink colours

3. Shankupushpam (Blue Pea): blue flowers with yellow at its core

4. Mandaram (Bauhinia acuminata): white flower

5. Jamanthi (Marigold): yellow, white, red, and orange

6. Hanuman Kireedam (Red Pagoda): red and yellow flower

7. Mukutti (Biophytum sensitivum): yellow

8. Thumba (Leucas aspera): white and yellow

9. Rose: pink, red, and white

10. Mullapoovu (Jasmine): white

Add the finishing touches to the Pookkalam with lamps to bring a serene aura.

Ambient Decor

Bring out the traditional lamps (Vilakku) and hanging lamps used in pooja rooms to your living space, and adding Marigold door hangings at the entrance can create a festive vibe. Kathakali or Pulikali decor evokes a cultural feel to the space. Bring a glass bowl and place petals in beautiful patterns, finishing with a floating lamp. Old brassware that has been passed on since generations can be showcased, adding a traditional touch. Use banana leaves on tables and small banana trees in the corners of rooms as decor.

Kasavu Aesthetics & Fragrance

Introduce a serene and beautiful fragrance to your interiors with jasmine flowers or incense sticks. Elegance would be at its peak in your interiors by using fabrics with white hues and gold borders. Go for the aesthetics and theme of Kasavu; it brings cultural beauty to the space. Use mundu or stitch some mundu together from your tailor and use them as decorative elements.

A Stage for Onam-Games

Onam festivals are never complete without the brilliant games for kids and adults alike. It’s important to set a stage for the fun activities. Tug of War is the exciting game that everyone waits for till the end and will definitely need a lot of space with safety prioritised. And remember, let the inner child out and have fun!

Maveli and Onam Sadhya

The warmth of Onam encompasses the love of Maveli and his people. The celebrations will definitely be complete with the presence of Maveli. Posters and decor featuring Maveli bring the most important feelings of Onam; during Maveli’s reign, everyone was treated equally and loved one another unconditionally. A symbol of unity and love—that’s Maveli to Kerala.

Onam Sadhya is one of the most cherished moments of this festival. Set mats and arrange seating to experience the culinary delight of Onam Sadhya with your family.

Onam is a celebration of culture and unity. It is exciting to prepare your home for the amazing occasion with your loved ones to enjoy an amazing family time. It is an occasion of happiness and laughter with all the fun games and amazing traditions. With all cultural elements, there is no limit to creativity here. Pookkalam is a great opportunity to bring out your creative skills and spend time with family. We hope this blog has been helpful in providing Onam festival decoration ideas for your home interiors.