Maha Onam | The Biggest Onam Celebration in North America
About Maha Onam

THE BIGGEST
ONAM
CELEBRATION
IN NORTH
AMERICA

Every summer, tens of thousands of people come together at the heart of Toronto for a day that feels like Kerala. Free to attend. Open to everyone.

30K+
Attendees
12h
Live Performances
FREE
Entry Always
Our Story

A simple dream that became a homecoming.

Maha Onam began with a simple dream — to bring the spirit of Kerala to life in Canada and create a space where our community could come together, celebrate, and feel at home.

What started as a cultural celebration has grown into one of the biggest Onam festivals in North America, bringing together thousands of people from different backgrounds to experience the beauty of Kerala's traditions, art, food, music, dance, and community spirit.

Onam Celebration
Community & Culture
The Foundation

The four pillars that make Maha Onam what it is.

01

Always Free

No ticket, no registration. Culture belongs to everyone — and Maha Onam will never put a price on that.

02

Open Access

You don't need to be Malayali to belong here. Maha Onam is for anyone, anywhere, who loves vibrant culture.

03

Authentic

Every performance, dish, and art form on our stage is rooted in real tradition. We scale the celebration, not the compromise.

04

Community

Maha Onam exists because of volunteers, artists, vendors, and neighbours. This festival belongs to all of them.

History

Three years.
One growing tradition.

2024
The Debut
Maha Onam launched to a crowd that exceeded every expectation. Toronto had never seen Onam celebrated at this scale. A new tradition was born at Sankofa Square.
2025
30,000+ Attendees
A bigger stage, a bigger lineup, and a crowd that confirmed Maha Onam's place as the largest Onam celebration in North America. The bar was raised.
2026
August 15 Alignment
For the first time, Maha Onam moves to August 15 — aligning with India's Independence Day and making it a moment that resonates on two continents at once.
LEADERSHIP
The Roster

MEET THE
LEADERSHIP.

Behind every stage, every performance, and every detail is a dedicated team that works year-round to bring Maha Onam to life.

Jerin Raj
Jerin Raj
Chief Organizer
Nikitha Sabu
Nikitha Sabu
Program Director
Faraz Mohammed
Faraz Mohammed
Arts & Design
Aleena Thomas
Aleena Thomas
Stage Coordinator
Ansy Abraham
Ansy Abraham
Artist Relations
Vinod John
Vinod John
Public Relations
Velma Panakkal
Velma Panakkal
Operations
Information

Before you attend.

Is Maha Onam really free?
100% free. No tickets, no wristbands, no registration. Walk in, stay all day, bring your whole family.
When and where is Maha Onam 2026?
Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 11 AM to 11 PM at Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8.
What is Onam?
Onam is Kerala's 10-day harvest festival celebrating the legendary return of King Mahabali. It is one of South India's most joyful festivals, marked by feasts, classical dance, live music, and intricate flower art.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. Maha Onam is designed for all ages — from grandparents to toddlers. Sankofa Square is fully accessible and open to the public.
Do I need to be Malayali to attend?
Not at all. Maha Onam welcomes everyone. Thousands of non-Malayali Torontonians attend every year — it is one of the city's most culturally diverse community events.
Organised by International Youth Canada  |  Produced by Levitate Entertainment.