When is Onam 2025? Know the Date, Timings, History, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations

Onam:- Onam, the vibrant and widely celebrated festival of Kerala, is a time of joy, community, and deep-rooted cultural significance. As one of the most important festivals in the Malayali calendar, Onam brings people together to honor the rich heritage and traditions of the state. If you’re eager to know when Onam 2025 will be celebrated and what makes this festival so special, this article will provide all the details, including the date, history, significance, rituals, and celebrations.

Onam 2025

Onam is an annual harvest and cultural festival celebrated by the Malayali Hindu community in Kerala, India, as well as by Malayalis worldwide. Spanning ten days, the festival is marked by a flurry of activities including cleaning homes, taking early morning baths, decorating spaces with flowers, creating intricate Pookalams, and enjoying the grand Onam Sadya feast. Onam commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the homecoming of King Mahabali, and it is rich with various cultural events and rituals. With the festival just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know.

Onam

Onam 2025 Details

EventDate
ArticleWhen is Onam 2025: Know the Date, History, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations
EventOnam
Onam BeginsAugust 26, 2025
Thiruvonam (Main Day)September 5, 2025
Onam ConcludesSeptember 7, 2025
CategoryTrending
Festival Duration11 Days

 Tuesday, 26 August, 2025 – Friday, 5 September, 2025
SignificanceCelebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali and the harvest season in Kerala
Main RitualsPookalam (Floral Decorations), Onasadya (Festive Feast), Vallamkali (Boat Races), Kaikottikali (Traditional Dance)

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Onam Date & Timings 2025

Onam, the most significant festival of Kerala, is celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm. In 2025, Onam begins with Atham and culminates with Thiruvonam, the most important day of the festival. It marks the return of the mythical King Mahabali and is a time for family reunions, feasts, and cultural activities.

The festival is deeply rooted in Kerala’s traditions and includes activities like Pookalam (floral decorations), Onam Sadya (grand feasts), Vallam Kali (boat races), and traditional dance performances such as Kathakali. Below are the key dates and timings for Onam 2025:-

Onam

Onam 2025 Key Dates and Timings

OccasionDateDayTimings
AthamAugust 27, 2025WednesdayBegins at 05:36 AM (Atham Nakshatra)
ChithiraAugust 28, 2025ThursdayAll-day celebration
ChodhiAugust 29, 2025FridayAll-day celebration
VishakamAugust 30, 2025SaturdayAll-day celebration
AnizhamAugust 31, 2025SundayVallam Kali (Boat Race) Day
ThiruvonamSeptember 1, 2025MondayBegins at 06:15 AM (Thiruvonam Nakshatra)

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History of Onam: A Mythical Tale of King Mahabali

Onam is deeply intertwined with the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler whose reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and happiness. According to mythology, Mahabali was a generous and just king who was beloved by his subjects. His reign was so prosperous that it caught the attention of the gods, who grew envious of his popularity.

Onam

To curb his growing power, Lord Vishnu took on the avatar of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached Mahabali, asking for three paces of land. The generous king agreed, only to witness Vamana transform into a giant who covered the earth and heavens with two strides. For the third stride, Mahabali offered his own head, and as a reward for his devotion, he was granted the wish to visit his kingdom once a year. Onam commemorates this annual visit of King Mahabali to his people, a time of joyous reunion and celebration.

Significance of Onam: A Festival of Unity and Prosperity

Onam holds immense cultural and religious significance for Keralites. It is not only a harvest festival that marks the arrival of the new harvest but also a time to celebrate the return of King Mahabali. The festival symbolizes unity, as it brings together people of all communities and religions to participate in the festivities. Onam is also seen as a time to showcase the rich traditions, art forms, and cuisine of Kerala, making it a celebration of the state’s heritage and identity.

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Rituals and Traditions: How Onam is Celebrated?

The celebration of Onam is marked by various rituals and traditions that reflect the cultural richness of Kerala. Here are some of the key customs associated with Onam:

Onam

  • Pookalam: The creation of intricate flower carpets, known as Pookalam, is one of the most beautiful aspects of Onam. Families design and decorate these floral arrangements in their courtyards, adding a new layer each day leading up to Thiruvonam.
  • Onasadya: A grand feast, known as Onasadya, is an integral part of the Onam celebrations. This elaborate meal, served on banana leaves, typically includes a variety of traditional Kerala dishes, with over 20 different items, including rice, curries, pickles, and desserts like Payasam.
  • Vallamkali (Boat Race): The iconic snake boat races, or Vallamkali, are a thrilling part of Onam festivities. Teams of rowers compete in long, narrow boats, creating a spectacular display of teamwork and competitive spirit.
  • Kaikottikali (Thiruvathira Kali): Traditional dance forms like Kaikottikali, where women perform in a circular formation, are also a highlight of Onam. These dances are performed to the rhythm of folk songs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
  • Pulikali (Tiger Dance): Pulikali is a unique and colorful dance form where performers paint themselves like tigers and dance to the beats of traditional music. It is a vibrant spectacle that attracts large crowds.

Onam Celebrations: A Time for Joy and Togetherness

Onam is a festival that transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala. From the grand processions to the simple yet meaningful rituals at home, Onam brings people together in a spirit of unity and joy. The festival is also a time for social gatherings, with families and friends coming together to celebrate, share meals, and participate in various cultural events.

The rich traditions and customs associated with Onam make it a unique and cherished festival, not just in Kerala but across the world where Malayalis reside. As you prepare to celebrate Onam 2025, remember that this festival is not just about rituals but also about embodying the values of generosity, unity, and prosperity that King Mahabali represented.

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Conclusion

Onam 2025 is set to be a grand celebration filled with vibrant rituals, delicious feasts, and cultural festivities. As you mark your calendar for September 5th, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and significance of this festival that unites people in joy and harmony. Whether you’re in Kerala or celebrating from afar, Onam is a time to cherish the values of community, tradition, and the bounties of life. Celebrate Onam 2025 with joy and make the most of this beautiful festival that holds a special place in the hearts of millions.

FAQ’s

What is the date of Onam in 2025?

Onam festivities in 2025 will start on August 30 and will conclude on August 31. The main day, Thiruvonam, will be celebrated on September 1 .

What is the significance of Onam?

Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated by the Malayali community in Kerala, India. It commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest, cultural unity, and prosperity.

What are the key rituals during Onam?

Key rituals include cleaning homes, making floral designs called Pookalam, preparing and enjoying the traditional Onasadya (feast), and participating in cultural activities like boat races, dances, and music. The festival is marked by the warmth of togetherness and community spirit.

How is the Onam feast, Onasadya, prepared?

Onasadya is a grand vegetarian feast consisting of various traditional dishes served on a banana leaf. It includes rice, sambar, avial, and payasam, among other delicacies. The feast is an essential part of Onam celebrations, symbolizing abundance and sharing.

Is Onam only celebrated by Hindus?

While Onam has its roots in Hindu mythology, it is celebrated by people of all religions in Kerala, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The festival has evolved into a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries.

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