Planning Onam from the Gulf can get complicated quickly. Flights, school calendars, leave approvals and family plans do not always line up, so having the main dates early can help.
Kerala Tourism’s festival calendar lists Athachamayam on 16 August 2026, Thiruvonam on 26 August, Pulikali on 29 August and the Aranmula Boat Race on 30 August.
Kerala Tourism’s Onam Tourism Week is scheduled from 24 to 30 August.
Key Onam dates for 2026
- 16 August — Athachamayam, Tripunithura
- 24 August — Onam Tourism Week begins
- 26 August — Thiruvonam
- 29 August — Pulikali, Thrissur
- 30 August — Aranmula Vallamkali and Tourism Week finale
Travelling from the Gulf?
If you are planning to travel to Kerala, it is worth checking flights, school commitments and annual leave before building the entire trip around a single event.
Families who cannot travel can still use the dates to plan Onasadya gatherings, community celebrations and calls with relatives back home.
For many Gulf families, the weekend closest to Thiruvonam may end up being more practical than celebrating everything on the exact festival date.
Check event details again before travelling
The festival dates are useful anchors, but local timings, venues and individual programmes can change.
If you are travelling specifically for Athachamayam, Pulikali, the Aranmula Boat Race or another public event, check the latest information from Kerala Tourism and the relevant organisers before setting out.
MalluMetro Take
For Malayalis living abroad, Onam does not always happen in one place or on one perfect day.
The useful thing is to know the important dates early, then build the celebration around what works for your family.
Save the dates now. Work out the flights, leave and family plans later.