Onam marks the harvest festival; It is a reminder that the rainy season is ending. This ten-day celebration, with a special feast at the end, makes it as joyous as it gets. From donning traditional Kasavu sarees and Mundus to having the most restful sleep after a hearty Sadhya, Onam is a day full of fun and games.
And of course, that means making your home look as joyful too, so here are 14 easy Onam decor ideas to get your home ready for the festivities this year!
One of the most common and beautiful sights to see on Onam is the beautiful rangolis or pookalam made with a variety of colourful flowers. The best part about them is that you can go as simple and basic with a small flower rangoli or as grand with a big centrepiece at your entrance.
While traditional brass oil lamps are typically used only in Pooja rooms, you could light some up as decor to go with your rangolis. While you can add a million lights, brass lamps look absolutely timeless. We recommend placing them in a common, well-ventilated area. You could also place them right by your pookalams to create a cohesive look.
Pro-Tip: Need more brass decor ideas? We've got an entire list right here.
One of the most foolproof Onam stage decoration ideas is to use Marigolds, both yellow and orange ones, wherever you can. You can buy the garlands in bulk from local flower markets and set them up on the stage for bigger gatherings alongside some elements like Kathakali dancer figurines. At home, you could hang them up by your door frames or staircases or even create a spot for photo ops using just the garlands as a background.
Pro-Tip: If you want expert advice on how to keep your flowers fresh for longer, then check out this list.
Bring out your decor from Diwali and display some good old floating candles in a huge container. You can use tea lights directly or place them in pretty leaf bowls before placing them in water. Use florals to amp up the look. You can do this using brass containers or earthen pots, too.
Pro-Tip: We suggest you make a switch to clean and sustainable candles this year. To make your search easier, we've got a list of brands here.
Celebrating Onam in Kerala would be an absolute dream for many of us, considering the breathtaking greenery of the state. If you're especially missing home and want to cheer yourself up, how about getting yourself a banana plant? Add to your existing plant collection, and maybe it could make you feel a tad bit closer to home.
Pro-Tip: If you love the vintage and earthy vibe of Kerala homes, an interior designer explains how you can create a similar vibe for your home.
String lights can make pretty much any space look pretty and cosy. Combine that with your traditional decor, and you have yourself a well-put-together home for this Onam.
Pro-Tip: If you need more lighting options, then check out this list.
Traditional prints and art are a great way to add a festive feel to your home. You can bring them in with cushions and table runners, introducing more Indian crafts and bright colours that will brighten up your space instantly. Another way to do this is through wall hangings and wall art, which add a cosy and sophisticated feel.
Onam is the time to bring in the best decor. For that, we recommend adorning your home with vibrant wall decor and hangings. You can also use your kathakali masks as decor pieces, adding more culture and tradition to the space and giving it a festive feel.
Nothing says homely and festive quite like a woven basket brimming with coconuts, bananas, and fresh flowers. It’s that simple, earthy touch in the mix that makes your space feel warm and welcoming — plus, you can keep reusing them long after Onam is over!
Sure, grabbing a few clean candles is easy, but there’s a different kind of joy in placing them in holders you’ve made yourself. If time’s not on your side, you can always cheat a little and pick up some handmade ones online — they’ll still bring that warm touch!
