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Onam is celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season. According to legend, it also honours the return of the demon King Mahabali.
Onam 2025 will be celebrated on September 5. (Image: Shutterstock)
Onam 2025: In the southern state of Kerala, people celebrate Onam to commemorate the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season. Legend has it that Onam also marks the return of the demon King Mahabali. The celebration takes place over ten days, with rituals and importance associated with each day. A great display of religious zeal, cultural history, and a strong bond with nature can be seen in the celebrations.
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People from all walks of life come together for the festival, which is seen as a time for feasting and cultural bonding. Atham marks the start of the ten-day harvest festival, which ends with Thiruvonam.
The other eight days of celebration are Uthradom, Moolam, Pooradam, Anizham, Thriketa, Vishakam, Chodi, and Chithira. Thiruvonam, the festival’s last day, is a significant occasion when families prepare and enjoy Onasadya, the elaborate Onam meal.
When Is Onam 2025 And Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, Onam will be grandly celebrated on Friday, September5, 2025. The Panchang states that the Thiruvonam Nakshathram begins at 11:44 PM on September 4, 2025, and ends at 11:38PMonSeptember 5, 2025.
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Onam 2025: History And Significance
Onam commemorates the Asura King Mahabali’s return from the Patal Lok. Even though Mahabali was a demon king, he was believed to be giving, and his reign was regarded as Kerala’s golden age. His reappearance is warmly appreciated for this reason.
According to legend, King Mahabali took control of the three worlds after defeating the Gods. The gods are reported to have despised him for this reason and begged Lord Vishnu to assist them in their battle against the demon ruler.
Mahabali struggled to choose a side in conflict since he was a follower of Lord Vishnu. He therefore made the decision to go see King Mahabali in his Vamana (poor Brahmin) form and persuaded the demon king to grant him the right to own a plot of land measuring ‘three paces.’
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Then, in two quick steps, Vamana expanded to encompass everything the king ruled. Mahabali presented his head for the third step, as he had promised. Because of his admiration for this, Lord Vishnu permitted him to visit Earth once a year, on the occasion of Onam.
Keralites place a high religious value on Onam. People express their thanks to the land for providing a bountiful harvest through the festivities of this festival. People pray to their beloved King Mahabali and Lord Vamana for the health and longevity of their family members.
What are the ten days of Onam in 2025?
The ten days of Onam symbolise the following:
Day 1 Atham
The celebrations for Onam commence on this day. The Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the morning, and yellow flowers called Pookkalam (floral Rangoli) are used to adorn homes. Additionally, the people commemorate the start of Onam festivities by placing the idols of Vamana and King Mahabali in their homes.
Day 2 Chithira
Cleaning the houses marks the second day of Onam. Additionally, people start shopping for Onam and visiting neighbouring temples.
Day 3 Chodhi
On this day, many people purchase jewellery, clothing, and presents for their loved ones. It is common to see males wearing Mundu, ladies wearing the traditional saree, called Kasavu, and girls wearing Pattu Pavada. Additionally, lights and vibrant Pookalam are decorated to beautify homes.
Day 4 Vishakam
The preparations for Onam Sadhya mark the fourth day. People stock their homes with the season’s first harvest. There are also other locations where traditional dance performances such as Thiruvathirakali and Kathakali are held.
Day 5 Anizham
On this day, the Vallamkali boat race, popularly known as the snake boat race, takes place in Pathanamthitta on the Pamba River.
Day 6 Thriketta
People visit temples, give each other gifts, and go to their ancestral homes on the sixth day.
Day 7 Moolam
Temples begin to host elaborate feasts, or sadhyas. There are numerous other celebrations as well.
Day 8 Pooradam
The idols of Vamana and King Mahabali are crafted out of clay and positioned in the middle of Pookalam on the eighth day. The Pookalam design is adorned with an additional layer of flowers.
Day 9 Uthradam
The festivities begin on a huge scale as people prepare traditional meals with fruits and vegetables.
Day 10 Thiruvonam
King Mahabali is said to pay a visit to the state on the last day. On this day, residents prepare and serve Onam Sadhya and greet King Mahabali by painting the house’s front door with a batter made of rice flour.
Onam 2025: Rituals and How it is celebrated?
Without traditional folk performances like Thiruvathira Kali, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kathakali dance, Onam would not be complete.
These dance styles enthral audiences with their colourful costumes, elaborate makeup, and exuberant performances while showcasing Kerala’s cultural diversity.
The Kathakali dance is a visual feast that tells stories of bravery and mythology via its intricate narrative and expressive gestures.
In contrast, Pulikali has artists who are painted as hunters and tigers, creating an exciting and vibrant show.
Typically on the eve of Onam, women do the elegant dance known as Thiruvathira Kali in a circle. As a reflection of the cultural heritage that has been handed down through the years, these acts capture the spirit of the event.
More than merely a harvest festival, Onam is a celebration of Kerala’s togetherness, cultural identity, and giving nature. It acts as a reminder of the virtues of humility, compassion, and community.
Onam fills millions of people’s hearts with happiness and gladness.
Is It A Bank Holiday On Onam?
According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, all Indian banks—cooperative, rural, regional, private, and public—are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Banks are also closed on national and provincial holidays, as well as on all Sundays. Due to Onam, banks in the state of Kerala usually remain close.
Onam 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually falls between August and September. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated on September 5.
What are the main activities during Onam?
The main activities during Onam include:
- Pookalam: Making floral designs
- Sadya: Preparing a grand meal
- Vallam Kali: Boat races
- Traditional dance: Participating in traditional dances like Kaikottikali
What is the significance of Onam?
Onam is a celebration of the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler of Kerala.It also marks the end of the monsoon season and symbolises unity, prosperity, and the spirit of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
What is the traditional attire for Onam?
People often wear traditional Kerala attire, such as mundus for men and sarees for women.
- Location :
Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India
