Onam Festival: A Joyful Celebration of Kerala

A festival of God’s own country. A festival that honors a just king who truly cared for his subjects. A festival that showcases the exquisite art and culture of Kerala to the world. Onam is all these and more.

Onam is when Keralites, many of whom live in other states, the Gulf countries, and the West, flock to their home state, driven by an aching nostalgia and abiding love for their land. Just as King Mahabali returns to see his people, Keralites return to their beloved land, a paradise on earth known for its beautiful landscapes.

This 10-day festival is the most important cultural festival of Kerala and is Kerala’s official state festival. It heralds the onset of the harvest season and is an occasion to express gratitude for nature’s bounty.

In 2025, the festival begins on August 26 and ends on September 5, the day of Thiruvonam. This blog goes into the origin of Onam, its cultural significance, and the way people celebrate it.

Origins of the Onam festival

Onam is not only a harvest festival, but it is also a tribute to King Mahabali, who ruled this region long ago. Mahabali was an Asura or demon, who was a descendant of Prahlada, the great Vishnu devotee for whom Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha. Despite his demonic lineage, Mahabali was very just and generous. During his reign, there was great prosperity and also equality among the people. However, the Devas were filled with alarm on seeing his growing popularity. They wanted to neutralize the threat to their supremacy and approached Lord Vishnu for help.

Vishnu took his Vamana avatar for this reason. Vamana was a dwarf Brahmin. Hearing that Mahabali was performing a great Yagya, Vamana approached him and sought 3 paces of land. Generous Mahabali agreed at once, despite Shukracharya’s warnings. Shukracharya was the Guru of the Asuras who suspected that it was Vishnu who had come there in the guise of Vamana.

But, Mahabali did not heed his Guru and became the author of his own downfall. The moment he granted Vamana’s wish, the latter began growing in size until he reached gigantic proportions. He placed one foot on earth, and it became his. He took another step, and the heavens became his. There was no more space to take his final step. So, Mahabali bowed low so that Vamana, or Vishnu, could place his foot on his head.

With a gentle push, Vishnu sent Mahabali down into Patal Lok, the netherworld. Pleased by his sacrifice, Vishnu granted him a boon – once every year, he could ascend to earth and visit his subjects.

Malayalis celebrate Mahabali’s homecoming as the Onam festival.

Onam 2025 Festival Calendar

Onam is celebrated over ten days. On each day, there are different rituals and cultural events.

The main day is Thiruvonam, which is on September 5.

The main activities on each day of Onam 2025 are as follows:

The first day is Atham, on August 26. People kickstart the celebrations by making floral carpets called Pookkalam. They start with a simple design at first.

Chithira is the second day (August 27) of Onam. On this day, people add more flowers to the Pookkalam.

Chothi is the 3rd day (August 28). People go shopping for Onakkodi (new clothes) and start making preparations for the upcoming events.

The 4th day (August 29) is Vishakham. It is the day for harvest sales. People start preparing for the Ona Sadya, an elaborate and traditional feast.

The 5th day (August 30) is Anizham. It is a day for the famed snake boat races called Vallamkali and grand Pookkalams.

Thrikketta is the 6th day (August 31). There are family gatherings and an exchange of gifts on this day.

Moolam is the 7th day (September 1). Ona Sadyas in temples and Pulikkali dance form the highlights of this day.

Pooradam is the 8th day (September 2). People keep idols of Onathappan at home.

Uthradam is the 9th day (September 3). People clean their homes and start the arrangements for the festival. This is ‘Onnam Onam’ or ‘first Onam.’

The main Onam or Thiruvonam is on September 5. On this day, Mahabali returns to see his land and people. There are grand feasts and rituals to celebrate his arrival.

Onam Rituals and Celebrations

Onam celebrations are rather unique and colourful. People of all castes and creeds participate in them, a throwback to Mahabali’s era when people lived together in unity.

Let is explore some of the Onam rituals now.

Pookkalam: These are rangolis made with flowers. Many layers of colourful flowers are arranged in intricate designs at the entrances of homes. This is done to welcome Mahabali.

Ona Sadya: This elaborate, vegetarian feast comprises more than 20 traditional Kerala dishes and is served on banana leaves. It showcases the variety and creativity of Kerala’s delicious cuisine.

Vallamkali: Kerala’s rivers and scenic backwaters come alive with the loud splash of oars and the songs of boatmen as the iconic and famous snake boat races begin.

Classical and Folk Dances: Kerala’s dance traditions include both folk dances like Pulikkali, Kummattikkali (mask dance),  and Kaikottikkali/Thiruvathirakkali, and classical forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattom.

Traditional Games: Onakkalikal refers to group activities like ball games, archery, tug-of-war, etc.

Onakkodi: Onakkodi refers to new clothes, typically the kasavu sari and mundu, which are the traditional attire of Kerala. People wear them to symbolize new beginnings.

Vamana Jayanti

Interestingly, people also celebrate Vamana Jayanti during the Onam festival. Vamana Jayanti 2025 falls on Thursday, September 4, 2025. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Vamana, the 5th avatar of Vishnu. Devotees observe it on the 12th day or Dwadashi Tithi of the waxing Moon phase (Shukla Paksha) in Bhadrapada month.

People offer rice and curd to animals on Vamana Jayanti. They also observe a Vrat/fast, perform Vishnu Pooja, and recite Vishnu Sahasranamam and other Vishnu Mantras.

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