Onam 2025: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations and Traditions
Onam 2025 Dates: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 – Friday, 5 September 2025
Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India. Rooted in mythology, culture, and tradition, Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and the celebration of prosperity, unity, and happiness. It is also recognized as the official festival of Kerala and brings together Malayalis across the world, irrespective of caste and religion.
In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from Tuesday, 26 August 2025 to Friday, 5 September 2025. The most important day, Thiruvonam, falls on Thursday, 4 September 2025.
Read This: 50+ Onam 2025 Wishes, Greetings, and Captions to Celebrate the Festival of Kerala
Onam 2025: Key Dates
| Onam Festival Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Atham (Start of Onam) | Tuesday, 26 August 2025 |
| Chithira | Wednesday, 27 August 2025 |
| Chodhi | Thursday, 28 August 2025 |
| Vishakam | Friday, 29 August 2025 |
| Anizham | Saturday, 30 August 2025 |
| Thriketa | Sunday, 31 August 2025 |
| Moolam | Monday, 1 September 2025 |
| Pooradam | Tuesday, 2 September 2025 |
| Uthradam | Wednesday, 3 September 2025 |
| Thiruvonam (Main Day) | Thursday, 4 September 2025 |
| Avittam | Friday, 5 September 2025 |
History and Mythological Significance of Onam
Onam is deeply connected to the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura (demon) king who once ruled Kerala. His reign was considered a golden era, marked by equality, prosperity, and happiness. However, his growing popularity concerned the Devas (gods), who sought the help of Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and visited Mahabali. When Mahabali offered him anything he desired, Vamana asked for three paces of land. With two steps, Vamana covered the heavens and earth, leaving no space for the third step. Mahabali, true to his word, offered his head. Vamana pushed him down to the netherworld (Pathala) but granted him permission to visit his people once a year.
Onam commemorates this annual homecoming of Mahabali, when the people of Kerala welcome their beloved king with grandeur.
Cultural and Religious Importance
- Harvest Festival – Onam is also a harvest festival, marking the end of monsoons and the beginning of the harvest season in Kerala.
- Unity in Diversity – It transcends religious boundaries; Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in Kerala all celebrate Onam in their own unique ways.
- Global Malayali Festival – Malayali communities across the world—from the Middle East to the USA—celebrate Onam with equal enthusiasm.
Major Traditions and Celebrations
1. Pookkalam (Flower Rangoli)
During Onam, households decorate their courtyards with vibrant floral carpets called Pookkalam. Each day, new layers of flowers are added, symbolizing prosperity and unity.
2. Onam Sadya (Grand Feast)
The highlight of Onam is the Onam Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It consists of more than 25 dishes including:
- Avial
- Thoran
- Kalan
- Olan
- Erissery
- Rasam
- Sambar
- Pachadi
- Payasam (sweet dessert)
3. Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race)
The famous Vallam Kali or snake boat race takes place in Kerala’s backwaters, particularly in Alappuzha. Long boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete in a breathtaking display of strength and rhythm.
4. Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
Men paint themselves as tigers and hunters and perform dances to the beat of traditional instruments. Pulikali adds color and vibrancy to Onam celebrations.
5. Traditional Games (Onakalikal)
Games such as Tug of War (Vadam Vali), Uriyadi (breaking a pot), and other folk competitions are held during Onam.
6. Folk Arts and Dances
- Kathakali – Classical dance-drama depicting stories from epics.
- Kaikottikali (Thiruvathirakali) – Group dance performed by women in traditional attire.
- Kummatti Kali – Mask dance popular during Onam.
Onam in Modern Times
Onam is not just a festival of Kerala but a cultural identity of Malayalis worldwide. Kerala Tourism organizes the famous Onam Week Celebrations, showcasing folk arts, classical music, dance, and processions.
With globalization, Onam has reached international stages where Malayali expatriates celebrate it with Sadya gatherings, cultural programs, and boat races organized abroad.
Onam 2025 Wishes and Greetings
If you’re looking for greetings to share with loved ones during Onam 2025:
- “May this Onam bring prosperity, joy, and blessings to your home. Happy Onam 2025!”
- “Wishing you a colorful Pookkalam, a delicious Sadya, and endless happiness this Onam.”
- “May King Mahabali bless you with health, wealth, and success. Happy Thiruvonam 2025!”
Conclusion
Onam 2025, celebrated from 26 August to 5 September 2025, is not just a festival of Kerala but a global celebration of tradition, prosperity, and togetherness. With its mythological roots in King Mahabali’s story, its grandeur in cultural performances, and its delicious feasts, Onam continues to unite Malayalis across the world.
As Onam approaches, households in Kerala and beyond will prepare for colorful Pookkalams, sumptuous Sadyas, thrilling Vallam Kali, and joyous dances—welcoming Mahabali into their homes and hearts once again.
