Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Kerala Village’s Onam Carols Bring Mahabali to Every Home
Valayanchirangara is a village in Kerala with a special way of celebrating Onam.
For eight evenings, people walk from house to house singing Onam songs.
Drummers join them and make the celebration lively.
One person dresses as King Mahabali, an important figure in the Onam story.
Mahabali blesses children when the group visits each home.
Families give the singers snacks, sweets and other contributions.
The procession starts on Atham, the first day of the traditional Onam celebrations.
Women and people from nearby villages now take part too.
The tradition began in 1985 and has continued despite pauses during the 2018 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valayanchirangara village in Ernakulam district celebrates Onam with house-to-house singing and drumming.
The procession features villagers singing Onam songs while one person plays King Mahabali each day.
The tradition begins on Atham and continues for eight evenings, starting around 6:30 pm.
Families welcome the performers with snacks, sweets and contributions, while Mahabali blesses children.
First formally suggested in 1985, the tradition now includes women, younger participants and visitors from nearby villages.
- Who
- Residents of Valayanchirangara, including children, senior citizens, women and people from different professions, take part; one participant plays King Mahabali each day.
- What
- The village celebrates Onam through an eight-evening, house-to-house procession of songs, drumming and Mahabali blessings.
- When
- The procession begins on Atham and runs for eight evenings; the tradition was formally suggested in 1985.
- Where
- Valayanchirangara, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, Kerala.
- Why
- The tradition was created to take the message and spirit of Onam to every household and strengthen community togetherness.
- Location
- Valayanchirangara, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, Kerala
- Duration
- Eight evenings
- Starting day
- Atham, the first day of traditional Onam celebrations
- Daily start time
- Around 6:30 pm
- Tradition formally suggested
- 1985
- Participants
- Residents across generations, women, and people from neighbouring villages
- Family participation
- Households offer performers snacks, sweets and contributions