Onam, the harvest festival celebrated in Kerela which celebrates the harvest season and the going away of monsoon. Onam like every year will be celebrated with heartfelt enthusiasm and fervour as Thiruvonam, falls on Friday, September 5, 2025. Celebrated across a span 0f 10 days, it is a time for family bonding, and unity.
he tale of Mahabali, the asura king who once ruled Kerala is one of the stories behind Onam celebrations. The love of the people for asur was not taken in good stride and so to end his rule Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vamana, and defeated him, after which Mahabali lost his kingdom.
The kind Lord Vishnu was touched by Mahabali’s generous and kind nature and so he blessed him with a wish to come see his people once every year. year. The festival marks this wish of him and the people welcome observe all the traditions.
Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, the festivities starting with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam. In 2025, the Onam dates are as follows:
Traditions followed on this day are Onam 2025: Auspicious Date, History, Significance, Rituals and, Wish Cards:
1. Rangoli
On this day, the entrance is decorated with a Pookalam, a rangoli made from fresh flowers.
2. Onam Sadya
A grand feast served on banana leaves where dishes like sambar, avial, olan, thoran, erissery, pachadi, pappadam, and payasam is served.
3. Boat Race
Boat Race commonly known as Vallam Kali marks the celebrations of Onam which is generally held in the famous backwaters of Kerela.
4. Tiger Dance
Mainly followed in Thrissur, people paint themselves as tigers and hunters and perform Pulikali, the tiger dance.
5. Traditional Games and Dances Various traditional games known as Onakalikal are played. Women perform the traditional Thiruvathirakali, and men play Kummattikali, wrestling, and tug-of-war, etc.
Onam is mainly observed in Kerala, still it is a message of equality, prosperity, unity and harmony can be heard globally. Onam celebrates the characteristics of selflessness and humility, reminding us of the values that truly matter. It reminds us that community, gratitude, and joy makes it relevant far beyond its geographic roots. For those who celebrate Onam, this is a time to celebrate it with family. Thus people living outside for work or study generally come back to their cities/villages to celebrate it in their traditional ways.
Like many other festivals of India, Onam is also just not limited to the area where it originated. The festival is celebrated with the same zeal and emotions throughout the country. People respect each other’s emotions and become a part of each other’s celebrations.
Onam is celebrated in various parts of India and abroad, especially in countries with a significant Malayali diaspora such as the UAE, the UK, the USA, and Australia. Cultural events, Sadya gatherings, and traditional dance performances are organized worldwide, showcasing the global spirit of Onam.
The gold like paddy fields and the scent of flowers fill the air during the auspicious period of Onam and the festival is filled with light, laughter, and love. Whether you’re in Kerala or miles away, may the spirit of Onam bring you peace, prosperity, and happiness.
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