Celebrating Onam in the UK: A Creative Guide to Kerala's Festival of Lights

Onam is one of India's most vibrant festivals, celebrated primarily in Kerala with joy, colour, and creativity. If you're in the UK and want to honour this beautiful tradition—or simply explore a new cultural celebration—there's no better time than now. Whether you have Kerala roots or you're curious about festive creativity, Onam offers endless opportunities for artistic expression and family fun.

What is Onam?

Onam is a harvest festival that celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It's a time of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness, marked by colourful decorations, traditional performances, and joyful gatherings. The festival typically lasts ten days and is deeply rooted in Kerala's culture, blending Hindu, Christian, and Muslim traditions into one inclusive celebration.

When is Onam Celebrated?

Onam falls in August or September each year, depending on the Malayalam calendar. In 2026, Onam will be celebrated in late August and early September. Even though you're celebrating in the UK, you can align your festivities with the traditional dates or choose a weekend that works best for your family and friends.

Where Can You Celebrate Onam in the UK?

Many UK cities with significant Kerala communities host Onam celebrations, particularly in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Check local cultural centres, temples, and community groups for organised events. However, the most meaningful celebrations often happen at home—in your kitchen, garden, or living room—where you can create your own traditions with loved ones.

Why Celebrate Onam?

Onam is about connection: to heritage, to nature, to family, and to creativity. It's a chance to slow down, celebrate abundance, and express yourself through art and decoration. For families in the UK, it's a wonderful way to keep cultural traditions alive, teach children about diverse celebrations, and bring colour and joy into your home during late summer.

How to Celebrate Onam Creatively

Make a Pookalam (Flower Rangoli)
The heart of Onam is the pookalam—a circular flower arrangement made on the floor. You don't need traditional Kerala flowers; use whatever blooms are available in UK gardens or markets. Marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, and dahlias work beautifully. Arrange them in concentric circles, starting with larger flowers on the outside and smaller, brighter blooms toward the centre. It's meditative, colourful, and a perfect activity for all ages.

Create Onam Decorations
String up paper lanterns, hang colourful fabric bunting, or make paper flower garlands. You can print and colour Onam-themed designs, create paper boats (symbolising the festival's connection to water), or craft traditional oil lamps from air-dry clay. These decorations transform your space into a festive haven and make wonderful keepsakes.

Cook Traditional Dishes
Food is central to Onam. Try making payasam (a creamy rice pudding), avial (a mixed vegetable curry), or banana chips. Cooking together is creative, sensory, and deeply connecting. Even if you're not familiar with Kerala cuisine, many UK supermarkets now stock ingredients, and online recipes make it accessible.

Organise a Kathakali or Dance Performance
Kathakali is Kerala's classical dance form, known for elaborate costumes and expressive movements. You don't need to be trained; create a simple performance with family or friends using colourful fabrics, face paint, and music. It's theatrical, fun, and a brilliant way to engage children.

Host an Onam Feast
Gather friends and family for a meal centred around traditional Onam dishes. Decorate your table with flowers, use colourful plates and fabrics, and share stories about the festival. Food brings people together and makes celebrations memorable.

Make Onam Crafts
Create paper masks, paint clay diyas (oil lamps), design greeting cards, or make traditional Onam-themed artwork. These crafts are perfect for children and adults alike, and they make thoughtful gifts or decorations.

Bringing Onam Home

Celebrating Onam in the UK is about adapting tradition to your context while honouring its spirit. Whether you're recreating Kerala's customs or creating new ones that blend your UK life with your heritage, the essence of Onam—joy, creativity, and togetherness—remains the same. Use printable designs, craft templates, and creative resources to make your celebration uniquely yours. The festival is ultimately about celebrating life, colour, and community—and that's something everyone can embrace.