Day 1, Atham : It is the first day of festivities in the ten-day-long Onam carnival. Starts with people visiting the temples in the morning. It is believed that King Mahabali starts his preparations to descend from Pathala (netherworld) to Kerala on this day.

There is also a set breakfast for Atham consisting of steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). A swing decked with flowers is also slung from a high branch and youngsters take great delight in swinging and singing Oonjal (swing) songs.
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The size of Pookalam on dis day is called as Athapoo, small in size increasng wid each day of festival. Onam celebratns across d state calld Atthachamayam,starts with grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi,the place where Mahabali is believd to hve banished from earth

Selection of flower is also important as a particular flower is selected for each day for a specific deity. Frm d day of Atham an atmosphere of joy and jubilations envelops d heart of every keralitie around d globe, awaiting the arrival of their Legendary King Mahabali Tamburaan

Day 2, Chithira: This day marks d cleaning of house as a custom of this festival.Another layer of flower is added to the Pookalam on the 2nd day.A long shopping list is prepared 4 d family specially children to demand all their pending wishes. A time 4 wish fulfillment 4 everyone

Day 3: Pple begin shoppng & gifting one anoder wid new clothes,known as Onakodi(4 d day of Onam) & jewellery.Another layer of flower is added 2 Pookalam.Marketplaces buzz wid pple & Handloom weavers r seen in full vigor during festive days.Keralites r on a shopping spree mode

Day 4,Vishakam: Considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the festival, dis is when prepartion for the Onasadhya(Onam feast) is kickstarted (mostly sweets and pickles). Although the number of dishes vary in each family bt most of them make 26 delicacies for Onam

The markets open their harvest sale on dis day,making it one of the busiest market days. Maveli stores (government owned departmental stores)would display their latest offers and discounts on household items.Back home, the homemakers would be busy in the kitchen, makng delicacies

Day 5, Anizham:The Vallamkali (boat race)is flagged off on 5th day from Aranmula, which is a small town located on the banks of Pamba river in Pathanamthitta.The Snake boats get ready to race,a beautiful sight of more dan 100 oarsmen rowing huge snake shaped boats is worth a show

The event attracts tourists frm nook and corner of the world. In d households, more flowers r added 2 Pookkalam, 2 make it look evn more beautiful. One can witness d degree of enthusiasm & excitement increasng in d people, as der r only 4 days to go for the important day of Onam.

Day 6 : Thriketa, d Pookalam gets very large wid atleast 5-6 layer flowers added. It is time for family reunion,Dey visit their ancestral home& exchange gifts.Various cultural programs r organized & People take initiative to attend the events. School vacations for Onam starts

Day 7, Moolam: This day marks the beginning of Onam Sadya and the dance performances. Most of the temples offers special sadhyas on from this day. Festivities include Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali(performed by females in a circle)

Beautiful procession of vibrant Kummatikali dancers(wid colourful masks)Anoder famous dance Kathakali,gracefully presentng tales of famous mythological legends. Pulikali,dancers 2 b painted like tiger in bright yellow&black dancng 2 d beats gng frm house 2 house is a common sight