Visuals from Thrikkakara Temple on Thiruvonam show thousands of devotees gathering for the sacred Onam Sadya, the grand vegetarian feast that marks the most significant day of the 10-day Onam festival.
The historic Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple in Kalamassery, Ernakulam district, witnessed a heavy rush of devotees from early morning as traditional rituals unfolded. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vamana (the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu), holds special significance during Onam as it is believed to be the place where King Mahabali was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vamana.
On Thiruvonam day, the temple conducted the traditional Mahabali Ethirelpu (welcoming ceremony) in the morning, followed by Sri Bali and the grand Onam Sadya served after 10:30 AM. Devotees sat in rows on the temple premises, partaking in the elaborate feast served on banana leaves, featuring traditional dishes such as avial, olan, thoran, erissery, sambar, parippu curry, pachadi, kichadi, pickles, pappadam and multiple varieties of payasam.
The temple’s 10-day festival concluded with the evening Aarattu procession, where the deity is taken in a ceremonial procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles and devotional chants. The festivities reflected Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity that Onam embodies.
According to temple traditions, during ancient times, the regional kings would visit Thrikkakara Temple to celebrate Onam. Later, when it became difficult for all devotees to reach the temple, the Zamorin king issued a proclamation allowing people to install Thrikkakarayappan (Lord Vamana) in their homes and conduct prayers, a practice that continues to this day.
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