Pookalam Competition
Teams of 3 to 6 build a six-foot floral design from fresh flowers.
#StartupOnam2026
Startup Onam 2026
Kerala's Startup Community Comes Together
Celebrate Onam with Kerala’s startup community through fun games, cultural performances, Pookalam, Onam Sadhya and DJ night.
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About Startup Onam
Come with your team
Startup Onam brings startup founders, employees, interns and families together to celebrate Kerala’s culture and the joy of Onam. Come with your team, meet the startup community and enjoy a full day of celebrations.
What's on
Event highlights
A full day on campus, from the welcome desk to the last song.
Traditional Onam games
Uriyadi, vadamvali, kasera kali and the lemon and spoon race.
Chendamelam
A traditional percussion ensemble takes over the campus at midday.
Mahabali procession
Maveli arrives in person to welcome the crowd.
Startup cultural performances
An afternoon of stage slots owned entirely by the startup teams.
Onam Sadhya
A traditional banana-leaf feast with two varieties of payasam.
Networking
Meet the wider startup community across campus after the Sadhya.
Prize distribution
Winners across the pookalam and dance competitions recognised.
DJ night
One last hour on the dance floor to close out the day.
Onakalikal
Traditional Onam games
Uriyadi, vadamvali, kasera kali and the lemon and spoon race, all running together through the late morning. Bring a team, or turn up on your own and get drafted into one.
Vadamvali (Tug of War)
Traditional Onakalikal
🪢 Vadamvali (Tug of War)
Two teams, one rope, and a line neither wants to cross.
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Uriyadi (Pot Breaking)
Traditional Onakalikal
🏺 Uriyadi (Pot Breaking)
Blindfolded, spun around, one shot at the pot.
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Kasera Kali (Musical Chairs)
Traditional Onakalikal
🪑 Kasera Kali (Musical Chairs)
The music stops, and there is always one seat short.
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Lemon and Spoon Race
Traditional Onakalikal
🍋 Lemon and Spoon Race
Steady hands, short course, no second chances.
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Kalolsavam
Competitions & performances
From the first chenda beat to the closing DJ set — a pookalam competition, a dance competition, and an afternoon of stage slots that belong entirely to the startup teams.
Onam Pookalam Competition
Community Competition
🌺 Onam Pookalam Competition
Fresh flowers, six feet across, one team canvas.
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Startup Onam Dance Competition
Dance
💃 Startup Onam Dance Competition
Five to eight minutes on stage. Traditional or modern, your call.
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Chendamelam & Mahabali Procession
Music & Percussion
🥁 Chendamelam & Mahabali Procession
The rhythm that brings Mahabali onto campus.
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Cultural Performances by Startup Teams
Guest Showcase
🎤 Cultural Performances by Startup Teams
The afternoon stage belongs to the startups.
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DJ Night
Onam Sadhya
A traditional Sadhya on a banana leaf
Enjoy a traditional Onam Sadhya served on a banana leaf with delicious dishes and two varieties of payasam.
Signature dishes to look out for
Sambar · Aviyal · Pineapple Kichadi · Ada Pal Payasam · Parippu Payasam
₹270Per person
Browse
Moments from the community
Photos and highlight reels from this edition (and the ones before it) — the full gallery gets richer as the day goes on.
Pookalam Competition
Culturals
Pookalam Competition
Photo coming soon
Traditional Onam Games
Games
Traditional Onam Games
Photo coming soon
Chendamelam and Mahabali Procession
Culturals
Chendamelam and Mahabali Procession
Highlight reel coming soon
Onam Sadhya on the Leaf
Sadhya
Onam Sadhya on the Leaf
Photo coming soon
Registration
Pick your pass
The day itself is free. The Onam Sadhya is the one paid item, at ₹270 per person, payable by 19 August 2026.
Festival Pass
The full day on campus, without the Sadhya.
Free
- Pookalam and dance competitions (team sign-up)
- Traditional Onam games
- Chendamelam and the Mahabali procession
- Cultural performances, prize distribution and DJ night
- Onam Sadhya not included
Most popular
Festival Pass + Onam Sadhya
Everything above, plus a seat at the banana leaf.
Rs 270
- Everything in the Festival Pass
- A traditional Onam Sadhya on banana leaf
- Two varieties of payasam
- Rs 270 per person, payable by 19 August 2026
- Book one plate per person joining you
Run of Show
How the day unfolds
21 August 2026 · 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
9:30 AM
Registration and welcome Ceremony
Collect your welcome kit and check in your competition teams.
10:00 AM
Pookalam Competition Culturals
Startup teams build fresh-flower pookalams across the marked arena.
10:45 AM
Inauguration and Onam welcome Ceremony
11:15 AM
Traditional games Games
Uriyadi, vadamvali, kasera kali and the lemon and spoon race, running together.
12:15 PM
Chendamelam and Mahabali procession Culturals
12:45 PM
Pookalam results and group photo Ceremony
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Who can attend Startup Onam?
Startup Onam brings startup founders, employees, interns and their families together to celebrate Onam. Come with your team — and if you are unsure whether your organisation is covered, write to nasif@startupmission.in and the team will confirm.
Does it cost anything to attend?
Attending the day itself — the games, competitions, cultural performances, networking and DJ night — costs nothing. The Onam Sadhya is the one paid item, at Rs 270 per person.
How does the Sadhya payment work?
Enter the total number of people you are booking Sadhya for while registering, and complete the payment on or before 19 August 2026. Plates are prepared against paid bookings, so a registration without payment will not have a Sadhya seat held.
Can I register now and pay for the Sadhya later?
Yes, as long as the payment is completed by 19 August 2026. Your reference code stays the same, so quote it when you pay.
Is the Onam Sadhya vegetarian?
Yes — a traditional Sadhya served on a banana leaf, fully vegetarian, with two varieties of payasam. Mention any allergies in the dietary note when you register.
#StartupOnam2026
Celebrate Onam with us
Come with your team and family. Enjoy the traditions, food, games and celebrations with Kerala's startup community.