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21 Jul 2025

Onam by the Sea: Celebrate Kerala’s Grandest Festival at the Historic Old Lighthouse Bristow

It’s that time of year again. When Kerala comes alive with colour and memories of a golden age return. Maveli is back, not as a distant legend, but as a welcome presence among his people. His first stop this Onam is at Fort Kochi’s Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, where the sea breeze carries stories and the scent of celebration is in the air. The pookalams are in full bloom, the sadhya is laid out with care, and Maveli mingles easily, smiling, greeting, and sharing in the joy. By the seaside, he enjoys the traditional feast, a rich spread of flavours that speaks of heritage and warmth. After the meal, he sits quietly, gazing at the waves, lost in thought as the sea stretches endlessly before him. And then, as the day draws on, he rises once more, ready to continue his journey across the land, to meet the many hearts that still wait for him.

What Makes Onam Kerala’s Most Beloved Festival?

Onam is Kerala’s most cherished festival because it blends myth, memory, and community into a single celebration. Rooted in the legend of King Mahabali’s annual return, it reflects a deep longing for a just and joyful past. The festival cuts across religion and class, bringing people together through vibrant pookalams, spirited games, and the grand sadhya feast. More than tradition, Onam is a feeling, a shared homecoming that reminds Malayalis everywhere of who they are and where they belong.

How Kerala Comes Alive During Onam

During Onam, Kerala transforms into a living canvas of colour, rhythm, and celebration. Homes are adorned with intricate pookkalams (floral designs), and families come together over the sadhya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves. In towns and villages, cultural events take centre stage, Pulikali performers paint themselves as tigers, boat races slice through backwaters, and temple grounds echo with classical music and dance. Every corner of the state joins in, turning Onam into a festival not just of myth, but of a living, breathing culture.

Why Fort Kochi is a Magical Place to Experience Onam

Fort Kochi offers a uniquely magical setting to experience Onam. Its heritage streets, lined with colonial-era buildings and vibrant art, blend history with celebration. The coastal breeze carries the scent of fresh pookkalams and festive feasts, while local cafes and cultural hubs host traditional music, dance, and community gatherings. Here, Onam feels both intimate and grand, a festival woven into the soul of a place where time slows down, and every corner whispers stories. In Fort Kochi, Onam becomes not just a tradition, but a memory you carry.

Host Your Onam Gathering with Elegance and Ease

Celebrate Onam in style at a venue that blends tradition with comfort. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, an intimate sadhya with close friends, or a festive corporate gathering, the right setting makes all the difference. With curated menus, thoughtful décor, and seamless service, hosting your Onam celebration becomes effortless. Let the spirit of the season shine, where every detail is taken care of, and every guest feels at home. Make this Onam not just a gathering, but a gracious experience to remember.

Onam Sadya, Reimagined by the Sea

Experience the Onam sadya like never before, set against the serene backdrop of the sea. At the Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, the traditional flavours of Kerala come alive in a setting steeped in history and charm. Each dish, served on a banana leaf, carries the warmth of home and the richness of heritage. As waves whisper nearby and sea breeze lifts the scent of spices, your feast becomes more than a meal; it becomes a memory, reimagined by the sea, where tradition meets timeless hospitality.

A Celebration by the Sea: Worth remembering

As the evening sets in, the Old Lighthouse Bristow, with all its quiet grandeur, transforms into a timeless retreat. Guests relax in its serene charm, after a day of vibrant celebration and a sadhya that left hearts and plates full. Onam here isn’t just a tradition, it’s an experience, where heritage meets comfort, and every moment becomes a memory worth keeping.

What are you waiting for? Reserve your stay early this Onam.
Old Lighthouse Bristow is ready to welcome you with warmth, flavour, and festive joy.