Why Does Onam Have 4 Days? The Truth Explained
Noopur Kumari | Aug 25, 2026, 18:00 IST
The Onam holiday of four days is often mistaken for the usual 10-day long celebration. There are links between them but they are different events. First Onam is a day that comes immediately before Thiruvonam day which is central to the celebration. It is associated with the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali. The third and fourth Onam follow the main celebration day.
Onam Have 4 Days
Image credit : ChatGPT(ai)
Onam can be considered one festival, its observance speaks of something far more complex.
In Kerala, for instance, the festival is marked during ten days, namely from Atham to Thiruvonam, while the official holiday lasts for four days surrounding the main festival, in 2026 falling on August 25 to August 28, with Thiruvonam falling on August 26. But why do four official Onam days exist? Can you differentiate between First Onam, Thiruvonam, Third Onam, and Fourth Onam? The answer becomes clearer when looking into the specifics beyond just the dates. Every day has a special atmosphere.
![First Onam Uthradam preparations in Kerala]()
Onam for the first time will occur on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The festival of Uthradam which comes before Thiruvonam indicates the start of Onam festival which is ten days long.This day is marked with anticipation and excitement as families get ready and organize everything they will need for the great occasion.Another interesting fact about this day is that it is also connected with the welcoming of King Mahabali, who is said to descend on earth according to Onam legend. So, First Onam is more than just the first day in the Onam calendar
![Thiruvonam celebration with Onasadya and pookalam]()
Thiruvonam festival is on Wednesday August 26, 2026.
It is believed that the king was banished to the underworld by Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana but he was given permission to visit his subjects once in a year.
The occasion of Thiruvonam was marked as the annual visit of Mahabali to his people.
Festival celebrations pookalam, Onasadya, dressing up, getting together with family members, and many more traditions.
However Thiruvonam represents prosperity, equality, and happiness during Mahabali’s reign.
The Fourth Onam will be celebrated on Friday, 28th of August 2026.
Fourth Onam is connected to Chathayam that comes after Avittam.
On this day, the four-day period of official celebration of Onam in Kerala comes to an end.
Like Third Onam, traditions may vary from family to family and from region to region. In contrast to Third Onam, which depicts a separate phase of the story of Mahabali, Fourth Onam is just another phase of the continuing festival.
This is the feeling of gathering for the last time before ending the festival.
This is the area where most people tend to get confused.
The Atham to Thiruvonam period is the traditional ten-day period of Onam celebrations.
The First Onam to Fourth Onam period is the four-day holiday period in Kerala.
The dates for the four holidays in 2026 will be:
First Onam: August 25
Thiruvonam: August 26
Third Onam: August 27
Fourth Onam: August 28
And thus, there is no contradiction at all.
If one were to look at the four days collectively, the following picture begins to form.
The first Onam Day signifies preparation and expectation.
Thiruvonam Day signifies the arrival of Mahabali and abundance.
The third Onam Day maintains the momentum.
The fourth Onam Day marks the end of the official holiday season.
In the midst of everything lies the myth of the renowned king Mahabali, known in the folklore of Kerala as an ideal king representing opulence and equality.
This is because Onam is not just another day on the calendar.
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Why does Onam have four official holidays?
These four holidays are distinct from the traditional 10-day Onam festival that spans from Atham to Thiruvonam. The four-day holiday encompasses the period of celebration of the main event and the periods around it.
Why is Thiruvonam important in Onam?
Thiruvonam is known as the essence of Onam, and it is linked to the annual return of King Mahabali and celebrates wealth, equality, happiness, family, and community.
What is the difference between First Onam and Thiruvonam?
First Onam, otherwise known as Uthradam, revolves more around preparations and anticipation of the coming celebration. Thiruvonam, on the other hand, is the celebration day proper where the main festivities take place.
In Kerala, for instance, the festival is marked during ten days, namely from Atham to Thiruvonam, while the official holiday lasts for four days surrounding the main festival, in 2026 falling on August 25 to August 28, with Thiruvonam falling on August 26. But why do four official Onam days exist? Can you differentiate between First Onam, Thiruvonam, Third Onam, and Fourth Onam? The answer becomes clearer when looking into the specifics beyond just the dates. Every day has a special atmosphere.
Onam starts the greeting.
First Onam Uthradam preparations in Kerala
Image credit : ChatGPT (AI)
Onam for the first time will occur on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The festival of Uthradam which comes before Thiruvonam indicates the start of Onam festival which is ten days long.This day is marked with anticipation and excitement as families get ready and organize everything they will need for the great occasion.Another interesting fact about this day is that it is also connected with the welcoming of King Mahabali, who is said to descend on earth according to Onam legend. So, First Onam is more than just the first day in the Onam calendar
Onam's Heart Is Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam celebration with Onasadya and pookalam
Image credit : ChatGPT(AI)
Thiruvonam festival is on Wednesday August 26, 2026.
It is believed that the king was banished to the underworld by Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana but he was given permission to visit his subjects once in a year.
The occasion of Thiruvonam was marked as the annual visit of Mahabali to his people.
Festival celebrations pookalam, Onasadya, dressing up, getting together with family members, and many more traditions.
However Thiruvonam represents prosperity, equality, and happiness during Mahabali’s reign.
The Holiday Ends on Fourth Onam
Fourth Onam is connected to Chathayam that comes after Avittam.
On this day, the four-day period of official celebration of Onam in Kerala comes to an end.
Like Third Onam, traditions may vary from family to family and from region to region. In contrast to Third Onam, which depicts a separate phase of the story of Mahabali, Fourth Onam is just another phase of the continuing festival.
This is the feeling of gathering for the last time before ending the festival.
Why Do Onam Days Have Four Days?
The Atham to Thiruvonam period is the traditional ten-day period of Onam celebrations.
The First Onam to Fourth Onam period is the four-day holiday period in Kerala.
The dates for the four holidays in 2026 will be:
First Onam: August 25
Thiruvonam: August 26
Third Onam: August 27
Fourth Onam: August 28
And thus, there is no contradiction at all.
The Four Days Give a More Detailed Story
The first Onam Day signifies preparation and expectation.
Thiruvonam Day signifies the arrival of Mahabali and abundance.
The third Onam Day maintains the momentum.
The fourth Onam Day marks the end of the official holiday season.
In the midst of everything lies the myth of the renowned king Mahabali, known in the folklore of Kerala as an ideal king representing opulence and equality.
This is because Onam is not just another day on the calendar.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Onam have four official holidays?
These four holidays are distinct from the traditional 10-day Onam festival that spans from Atham to Thiruvonam. The four-day holiday encompasses the period of celebration of the main event and the periods around it.
Why is Thiruvonam important in Onam?
Thiruvonam is known as the essence of Onam, and it is linked to the annual return of King Mahabali and celebrates wealth, equality, happiness, family, and community.
What is the difference between First Onam and Thiruvonam?
First Onam, otherwise known as Uthradam, revolves more around preparations and anticipation of the coming celebration. Thiruvonam, on the other hand, is the celebration day proper where the main festivities take place.
