Onam 2025: Date, History, Significance, Traditions, and Celebrations

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, celebrated with flowers, food, and joy. It is a harvest festival that also honors the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26. The festival lasts for 10 days and is marked by grand feasts, cultural dances, snake boat races, and floral decorations. Whether you are from Kerala or living outside, Onam is a festival that brings families and communities together.

Onam 2025 Date and Calendar

• Main Onam Day (Thiruvonam): Tuesday, August 26, 2025
• Festival Period: 10 days, starting from Atham Nakshatra and ending on Thiruvonam Nakshatra
• Celebrated in: Kerala, other parts of India, and Malayali communities abroad

This makes Onam not just a festival for Kerala, but one of the most celebrated cultural festivals in India.

History and Significance of Onam

Onam is rooted in the story of King Mahabali, a ruler known for kindness and equality. According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana and sent Mahabali to the underworld. But because the people loved him so much, Mahabali was allowed to return once every year.

That annual return is celebrated as Onam, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and unity.

Major Traditions of Onam 2025

1. Onam Pookalam (Floral Designs)

Families decorate the entrance of their homes with colorful flower carpets, known as Pookalam. Each day more flowers are added, making the design bigger and more beautiful.

2. Onam Sadhya (Grand Feast)

The highlight of Onam is the Onam Sadhya, a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.
It includes 25–30 traditional dishes such as:

• Avial
• Sambar
• Rasam
• Olan
• Thoran
• Banana chips
• Payasam (sweet dish)

Restaurants and hotels across India and abroad also serve special Onam Sadhya buffets during the festival.

3. Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race)

Kerala’s rivers host Vallam Kali, the famous snake boat races. The Aranmula Boat Race is the most popular, attracting both tourists and locals.

4. Onakalikal (Games and Sports)

People take part in traditional games like Tug of War, Kabaddi, and Talappanthukali. These games bring communities together and keep traditions alive.

5. Cultural Dances and Performances

Art forms like Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, Kaikottikali, and Pulikali (tiger dance) are performed in temples, cultural grounds, and streets.

Also Read: Top 10 Traditional Indian Dance Forms

Onam Celebrations in Kerala and Around the World

• In Kerala: Streets are decorated, temples are lit up, boat races are held, and families enjoy Sadhya together.
• In other Indian cities: Onam is celebrated in places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai with cultural programs and Sadhya feasts.
• Around the world: Malayali communities in the USA, UK, UAE, and Australia host large Onam gatherings with food, music, and dance.

Onam Shopping and Fashion in 2025

Onam is also a time for festive shopping.

• Traditional clothing: Kasavu sarees and mundu are popular.
• Jewellery: Gold jewellery sales rise during this season.
• Home decor: Lamps, flowers, and festive items trend in the market.

Online offers: Amazon, Flipkart, and regional retailers launch Onam sales, making it a peak shopping period.

Onam 2025 and Tourism in Kerala

Onam is also one of the best times to visit Kerala. Tourists can enjoy:

• Watching the snake boat races
• Experiencing an authentic Onam Sadhya
• Seeing flower decorations and cultural performances
• Exploring Kerala’s backwaters and temples

Cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Alappuzha are the main hubs for Onam celebrations.

Final Words

Onam is Kerala’s grand festival that combines tradition, culture, food, and joy. Onam 2025, on August 26, will bring families and communities together to celebrate with floral decorations, boat races, cultural dances, and the famous Onam Sadhya.

Whether you are in Kerala, another part of India, or abroad, Onam is a festival that connects people to their roots and spreads happiness across the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the date of Onam in 2025?

Onam falls on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Q2. Why do we celebrate Onam?

Onam is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali’s annual return and to mark the harvest season.

Q3. What are the main highlights of Onam?

Onam Pookalam, Onam Sadhya, Vallam Kali (boat races), cultural dances, and family gatherings.

Q4. How many days is Onam celebrated?

Onam is celebrated for 10 days, starting from Atham and ending on Thiruvonam.