Ever stumbled upon a festival you didn’t expect while travelling? In Singapore, the Malayalee community brings Onam alive with flowers, flavours, and festive vibes. And the best part: visitors are always welcome to join the fun.

Think colourful flower carpets, hearty feasts on banana leaves, and plenty of music and dance to keep the spirit buzzing. Let’s talk about how Onam brings Kerala’s harvest cheer right into the heart of Singapore. And more importantly, how you as a traveller/visitor can dive in and enjoy every bit of it.

If you’ve never heard of Onam celebration before, picture this: a ten-day harvest festival from Kerala, the lush southern tip of India, that’s as much about myth and memory as it is about food and flowers. At the heart of the story is King Mahabali, a beloved ruler whose reign was said to be so just and prosperous that even the gods took notice.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu appeared as the humble dwarf Vamana to gently send Mahabali to the netherworld—but with a blessing: he could return once a year to visit his people.

Onam marks that homecoming, a time when communities come together to honour prosperity, equality, and cultural harmony. In short, Onam is a celebration of abundance, unity, and the enduring bond between people and their traditions.

References to Onam stretch back centuries—Sangam-era texts from the 3rd century CE mention it, and later poems and temple inscriptions celebrate it too. Traditionally, it was centred at Kerala’s Thrikkakara Temple, with rituals, feasts, and dances that carried the legend through generations. Fast forward to today, and wherever Malayalees have travelled, the festival has travelled with them.

That’s how Onam found its home in Singapore, carried by the Malayalee community—one of the earliest Indian groups to settle on the island. While thriving in a modern, multicultural city, they’ve held firmly to their roots and continue to keep the festival alive with pride and joy. 

Every year, they mark Onam with the same essentials you’d see in Kerala: 

For travellers, celebrating Onam tradition in Singapore means more than just indulging in a grand feast of flavours. It’s a chance to witness how an age-old tradition from Kerala has been lovingly kept alive abroad, transforming the city with flowers, rhythms, and a festive spirit that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Wondering when Onam pops up on the calendar? It doesn’t stick to just one date every year, but usually shows up between August and September, lining up with the Malayalam month of Chingam. That’s when the festival stretches over ten days of colour, food, and festivity.

For Onam 2025, the celebration kicks off with Atham on 26 August and wraps up in grand style on 5 September, the all-important day of Thiruvonam. Whether in Kerala or right here in Singapore, those are the dates you’ll want to circle if you’re planning to catch the festival in full swing.

When it comes to rituals, Onam is a feast for the senses. Across the ten days, families and communities create Onam pookalam. It is a beautifully intricate Onam flower decoration carpet that grows more elaborate as the days pass. 

The heart of the festival is the Onasadya, a lavish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, with over 20 dishes from tangy sambar to sweet payasam. Around it all, there’s a whirl of cultural performances—Pulikali (the playful tiger dance), Thiruvathira Kali (a graceful circular dance), and the powerful beats of Chenda melam drum ensembles. 

Adding to the festive buzz are Onakalikal, traditional games like tug-of-war, archery, and ball games that spark plenty of laughter and friendly rivalry. In some places, you’ll also find temple rituals, boat races, and public feasts that bring entire communities together.

What makes Onam stand out is its spirit of inclusivity. It’s celebrated by people of all backgrounds, with no exclusions, and it’s rooted in values of harmony, respect, and generosity. Celebrants often wear Onakkodi (new traditional clothes), take part in community feasts, and uphold customs of charity and decorum.

For travellers, joining an Onam celebration in Singapore is both welcome and encouraged—just remember to embrace the atmosphere with respect. Try the feast, enjoy the music and dance, admire the flower carpets, and most importantly, share in the joy of a festival built on unity and togetherness.

At its heart, Onam celebrates the legendary return of King Mahabali, the joy of harvest, and the bonds of community. In Singapore, the Malayalee community brings this spirit to life through a mix of cultural performances, festive feasts, and inclusive gatherings that welcome everyone to join. 

In 2025, the celebrations run from late August to early September—so if you’re travelling then, you’re in for a treat. Here are the best ways to experience Onam 2025 in Singapore:

At Onam Village 2025 (24 Aug, Yishun), teams compete to create colourful flower carpets that grow more elaborate by the day. They symbolise prosperity, harmony, and community—plus, they’re very Instagram-worthy.

Onam Village also hosts playful competitions like tug-of-war and coconut-scraping races, alongside music and drum performances. They’re lively, family-friendly, and often open to visitors who want to join in the fun.

Expect classics like sambar, avial, olan, pachadi, and multiple types of payasam. In 2025, you can enjoy this both at community feasts in Onam Village and through restaurant specials around early September.

Onam Nite (10 Aug, Esplanade) features Kerala’s classical and folk arts—Thiruvathirakali, Kathakali, Pulikali, and the powerful beats of Chenda melam drum ensembles. It’s a rare chance to enjoy Kerala’s stage traditions without leaving Singapore.

The grand finale of Onam. While families celebrate at home, travellers can still take part by enjoying Onam Sadya specials at Indian restaurants across the city.

What makes Onam in Singapore special is its inclusivity. Unlike many temple-based festivals, anyone can join—whether by making an Onam pookalam, sharing a feast, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. 

Truth is, there isn’t really one single neighbourhood in Singapore that becomes the heart of Onam celebrations (unlike, say, Little India during Diwali). But there are a few areas worth considering if you’d like to stay close to the action, for example: 

For full festival vibes, stay around Yishun, home to SG60 Onam Village with its flower carpets, Onasadya feast, and traditional games. Hotels here are more relaxed and family-friendly, such as Orchid Country Club.

If you’re planning to catch Kairalee Onam, booking accommodation in Serangon is your best bet to stay close to the festivities. It’s close to community clubs, plenty of local eateries, and well-connected by MRT. Here are some of the recommendation:

Staying in Marina Bay is perfect if you don’t want any hassle and fancy being near Onam Nite 2025 (10 August at Esplanade). With easy MRT access, shopping, and city landmarks, here are some of recommended accommodation in Marina Bay:

The good news? All these hotels can be booked easily on Traveloka—so you can sort your stay in just a few clicks.

Besides the three main areas we mentioned earlier, you can also look for accommodation in Singapore near MRT station. Staying near the MRT makes your trip super convenient! You’ll save time getting to Onam celebrations, have easy access to iconic landmarks or attractions in Singapore, and explore the city without worrying about traffic or expensive rides.

With that in mind, here are some of great accommodation area that have MRT stations nearby—perfect for travellers who want comfort and seamless connections while enjoying Onam 2025:

For travellers who love culture, food, and affordable stays, Chinatown is always a hit. You’ll find hawker centres, heritage streets, and vibrant nightlife—all without breaking the bank. 

The area is served by Chinatown MRT (North–East Line & Downtown Line), which makes it super convenient for exploring. Hotels in Chinatown Singapore often blend heritage shophouse charm with modern comfort, great for both backpackers and mid-range travellers. For example:

Colourful and full of flavour, Little India is a favourite for travellers on a budget. It’s packed with authentic Indian eateries, spice shops, and cultural landmarks, giving you a slice of tradition right in the city. 

With Little India MRT (Downtown Line & North–East Line) at its centre, you’re well-connected to all parts of Singapore. A great base if you want culture, affordability, and convenience in one, like:

If you’re after a mix of history and hipster vibes, Bugis and Kampong Glam hit the sweet spot. From indie boutiques to vibrant street art and the iconic Sultan Mosque, there’s plenty to explore on foot.

The area is anchored by Bugis MRT (East–West Line & Downtown Line), which puts most attractions within easy reach. Hotels here range from affordable boutique stays to trusted chains, including:

Onam isn’t just about the grand Sadya feast—it’s a season filled with festive flavors, snacks, and treats that bring families and friends together. Outside the traditional banana-leaf meal, here are some popular dishes and delights you’ll often find during the celebrations:

Since Onam isn’t a public holiday in Singapore, you won’t find the whole city shutting down like it might during Chinese New Year or Hari Raya. But that doesn’t mean the festive spirit isn’t around. When you’re not catching the key Onam events, you can still soak up the vibes and balance your trip with a bit of city exploring.

Visiting Singapore during the festive season brings a quieter kind of joy, with cosy gatherings and simple traditions adding warmth to the city. It’s less about grand spectacles, and more about those little touches of culture that make the experience feel personal.

Plan your next trip to Singapore and enjoy the ease of self check-in hotels. With Traveloka, you can discover the best deals on hotels, flights, and tickets to attractions—all in the Traveloka app. Convenient, seamless, and stress-free, your adventure begins here!