Onam 2025: Festival Dates, History, Significance, And Celebrations

Onam 2025 Key Details

Onam 2025 will be celebrated with great joy and cultural fervour across Kerala and by Malayali communities worldwide. The 10-day harvest festival marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and is observed with floral decorations, boat races, folk dances, and the grand Onam Sadya feast. Check the table below for the dates, significance, and other key details of Onam 2025.

Onam 2025 Date

In 2025, Onam will be celebrated for 10 days, beginning with Atham on August 26, 2025, and concluding with Thiruvonam on September 5, 2025, according to the Drik Panchang.

• Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins: 11:44 pm on September 4, 2025

• Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends: 11:38 pm on September 5, 2025

Onam History

The story of Onam is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage. According to legend, King Mahabali, a noble and just ruler, once reigned over Kerala. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and equality. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu appeared in his Vamana avatar and sent King Mahabali to the underworld (Patala). However, due to Mahabali’s devotion and love for his people, he was granted permission to visit them once every year. Thus, Onam commemorates the annual visit of King Mahabali, when Malayalis believe he returns to his land to meet his people. The celebrations start from Atham Nakshatra and continue until Thiruvonam day.

Don't miss:6 Simple Onam Pookalam Designs To Adorn Your Home

Onam Significance: Harvest And Heritage

Onam is not just a festival, it is a heartfelt celebration of harvest, prosperity, and unity. Families give thanks for a bountiful crop and cherish traditions that reflect equality, community, and gratitude.

It is also a time when the Malayalam New Year begins, bringing renewal and hope.

Don't miss:Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 10 Days, 10 Colours & Lucky Shades for Numbers 1–9, As Per Numerology

How Is Onam Celebrated?

Here’s how the ten days of Onam unfold:

• Pookalam (floral rangoli): At the start, homes are adorned with intricate patterns of coloured petals, grown more elaborate each day.

• Athachamayam procession: In Thrippunithura (near Kochi), a colourful parade features elephants, music and floats that signal the opening of festivities.

• Folk Arts And Dance: You’ll see traditional dances like Thiruvathira Kavli, Pulikali (the thrilling tiger dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), and Kathakali performances across towns

• Boat Races (Vallamkali): Communities gather to cheer on long snake boats in energetic races, especially famous at places like Aranmula

• Onam Sadya Feast: On Thiruvonam, families enjoy a lavish vegetarian meal (sadya), served on banana leaves.

• Family gatherings and giving: The festival is full of joy, shared meals, gifts, and a sense of togetherness as relatives travel home to join in.

Onam festival is a rich tapestry of tradition, warmth and celebration. It is a time to cherish the harvest, the bonds of community, and the heart-felt heritage that binds generations together.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.