Onam 2025 is Kerala's major ten-day festival, which will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5. This festival symbolizes the mythical return of King Mahabali and the arrival of the new harvest. Events like Onam Sadya, Vallamkali, Pulikali, and traditional dances make it culturally and socially significant.
Onam 2025: Kerala's biggest and most special festival, Onam, will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5 this year. This ten-day festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala and among the Malayali community worldwide. During this time, people prepare to welcome King Mahabali, enjoy the traditional feast Onam Sadya, and participate in cultural events like Vallamkali, Pulikali, Kaikottikali, and Kathakali. The festival holds not only religious and cultural significance but also symbolizes harvest and social unity.
The Main Festival of Onam and Thiruvonam
Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam and lasts for ten days, with each day holding its own significance. This year, the festival began with 'Atham', while its main day, Thiruvonam, falls on Friday, September 5, 2025. Thiruvonam is considered the most important day of the Onam celebrations, when people prepare various dishes to welcome the mythical King Mahabali and actively participate in cultural programs. On this day, families and communities come together in preparation for Mahabali's arrival.
The Mythological Story of Onam
The main significance of Onam is linked to the mythical return of Mahabali, the king of the Asuras. It is said that Mahabali was a just and generous king, under whose reign Kerala experienced an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. His popularity made Lord Indra feel insecure, so Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, asked for a donation of three paces of land from him. Mahabali gave the donation without hesitation. In the first step, Vamana covered the entire earth, and in the second, the entire sky. When there was no space left for the third step, Mahabali offered his head. Pleased with his devotion and generosity, Lord Vishnu sent him to the netherworld, but also granted him the boon that Mahabali could return to Earth once a year to visit his subjects. This is why the entire state of Kerala is busy with preparations to welcome Mahabali on the day of Onam.
Onam Traditions and Cultural Events
The festival of Onam is not just religious or cultural, but also a social and familial celebration.
- Pookalam: This is a floral rangoli, decorated in the courtyards of homes for ten days. Each day, a new layer is added to make it bigger and more beautiful. It is considered a symbol of welcoming King Mahabali.
- Onam Sadya: The most attractive aspect of Onam is the 'Onam Sadya', which includes more than 26 vegetarian dishes. It is served on a banana leaf and is full of vegetables, lentils, pickles, and sweets.
- Vallamkali: This is an important part of the famous boat race festival. People gather in large numbers to watch and participate in it.
- Pulikali: This is known as the Tiger Dance. During this, people paint their bodies like tigers and dance, showcasing the energy and vibrancy of the festival.
- Other Cultural Programs: Traditional folk dances like Kaikottikali and Kathakali are also organized during Onam. People wear new clothes and share their happiness by giving gifts.
Festival of Harvest and Nature
Onam is also a harvest festival. It marks the beginning of the new harvest season and provides an opportunity to express gratitude towards farmers and nature. During this time, people spread messages of happiness and prosperity in society through traditional customs and cultural events, understanding the importance of natural resources.
Onam is not just a religious and cultural festival, but also a symbol of Kerala's vibrancy, traditions, and social unity. This festival connects families and communities and conveys a message of prosperity, harmony, and happiness.
