Onam is a festival that is associated with the land of Kerala but its fragrance can be felt all over India. Waiting for Onam 2025 will be a holy and exciting occasion for all Malayali people. This festival is related to the arrival of King Mahabali and it is celebrated every year in Chingam month (August-September).
Onam 2025 Date and Significance
This year Onam 2025 will begin from 2 September and Thiruvonam – which is the most special day – will be celebrated on 6 September 2025. Onam is celebrated for 10 days, in which each day has its own significance.
History and mythological story of Onam
The story of Onam is very interesting. It is related to King Mahabali who was a generous and just king. It is said that during his time people did not face sorrow, hunger and inequality in their lives. Seeing his popularity, the gods became worried and Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and asked him for three steps of land. When King Mahabali accepted this request, Vamana measured the whole world and sent Mahabali to the netherworld. But being pleased with his devotion, he got permission to come to earth every year. Onam is celebrated to celebrate this arrival.
10 days journey of Onam 2025
Onam is not just a one day festival. It is a spiritual journey that lasts for 10 days. Let’s take a look at these days:
Atham
This is the first day in which people clean the house and make the first Pookalam (rangoli made of flowers).
Chithira
On this day new flowers are added to the Pookalam and the house is cleaned even better.
Chodhi
People do shopping, buy new clothes, gifts and sweets.
Vishakam
On this day, preparations for Onam Sadya begin at home.
Anizham
On this day, Vallam Kali (snake boat race) is organized, which is a famous game of Onam.
Thriketa
On this day, people meet their loved ones and enjoy the festival together.
Moolam
Special prayers are offered in temples and dishes are made in kitchens.
Pooradam
On this day, clay idols of Mahabali and Vamana are decorated.
Uthradom
This day is the evening before the arrival of Mahabali, people get immersed in excitement.
Thiruvonam
The most important day of Onam, when King Mahabali meets his people.
Onam 2025 and the Taste of Sadya
Onam Sadya is the most special part of the festival. Sadya is a traditional Kerala meal served on banana leaves and has 20 to 26 items like:
The flavour and prosperity of this feast is synonymous with food and it shows that culture and customs are closely linked to food.
Cultural Style of Onam 2025
Onam is not just a religious festival, but also a cultural festival in which many activities take place:
Kaikottikali (Thiruvathirakali – traditional dance)
Onakalikal (games like uriyadi, tug of war, etc.)
All these activities are proof that Onam 2025 will be a grand and life-filled festival.
The beauty of Onam’s Pookalam
Pookalam is made in the courtyard of every house during Onam days. It is decorated with new flowers every day. It is not just a rangoli but a symbol of devotion and happiness and peace.
Onam 2025 and Family Meeting
Another beautiful aspect of Onam is family meetings. People living far away come back to their homes, eat, play and celebrate together. This creates an emotional connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is Onam, and why is it celebrated?
It is a vibrant and colorful harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, honoring King Mahabali, an Asura king who was known for his fairness, kindness, and love for his people. According to legend, when Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and sent Mahabali to the netherworld, Mahabali prayed to return and meet his people every year. It is celebrated to commemorate this homecoming, when Mahabali visits his people for a day.
On this special occasion, people create Pookalam (flower rangoli), enjoy a festive meal called Onasadya (bhog feast), and participate in various cultural programs such as Vallam Kali (boat races) and Kathakali performances. It is more than just a festival; it is a feeling – a celebration of prosperity, love, and culture.
2 Is Onam Haram in Islam?
According to Islam, the celebration of festivals is permitted as long as they do not involve shirk (associating partners with Allah) or kufr (disbelief in religion). It is a harvest festival rooted in Hindu tradition, centered around the story of King Mahabali and the Vamana avatar, which is based on a religious legend. As a result, many Islamic scholars believe that celebrating in a religious context is inappropriate for Muslims, as it may conflict with Islamic beliefs. However, if is viewed simply as a cultural event—such as a harvest celebration, food sharing, or promoting social unity—some people consider it a personal choice. Ultimately, the decision and the context surrounding the celebration are significant in Islam.
3. Two Christians celebrate Onam?
Yes, many Christians — especially the Syrian Christian and Latin Catholic communities of Kerala — also celebrate, but as a cultural festival. It is part of Kerala’s heritage and identity, so people beyond their religion celebrate it for unity, tradition, and joy. Christians, too, make Pookalam (flower rangoli), enjoy Onasadya (traditional meal), and participate in cultural events together with their friends and neighbors. For them, it is a national and social festival, not a religious ritual. This shows that festivals are not just connected to religion but also to the heart.
4 Who is this God, Onam?
Is not the name of any specific god but the name of a festival associated with King Mahabali and the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the story, Mahabali was an Asura king who was very just and loving towards his people. Seeing his popularity, the gods became worried, and Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and sent him to Patal Lok. But Mahabali requested that he may meet his people every year, and this is celebrated to commemorate this homecoming. Both Vishnu and Mahabali have significance in this festival – as a divine balance and a feeling of service to the people.
5. Is Onam a myth?
We cannot call it just a myth because it has become an integral part of Kerala’s culture, history, and emotions. Its base is the ancient story of King Mahabali and Vamana’s avatar, which is a part of mythology, but the celebration is a real, living tradition that unites people every year. Whatever may be the factual basis of the story, the essence of unity, gratitude, and celebration of harvest are true and felt emotions. So it would be right to say that it is a true cultural festival based on a myth, which people live from their hearts.
6 Will Tamilians celebrate Onam?
Yes, some Tamilians also celebrate, especially those living in border regions or multicultural areas of Kerala. Although Onam is mainly a Malayali festival, its cultural essence – the celebration of harvest, family bonding, and festive food – attracts everyone. Many Tamil families enjoy Onam with Pookalam, Sadya, and traditional attire, especially if they have Malayali communities around them. This is an example that festivals are not limited to the boundaries of language or state, but celebrate human emotions and unity.
7 Who is Mahabali in Onam?
Mahabali was a demon king, but he was not an ordinary king – people remember him for his rule full of love, justice, and prosperity. It is said that in Mahabali’s kingdom, all people were equal; there was no sorrow, no discrimination. Seeing his popularity, the gods were frightened, and Lord Vishnu sent him to Patal Lok in the form of Vamana. But Mahabali had one prayer – that he should be able to meet his people every year. Onam is the memory of that promise, when people believed that Mahabali would return to meet his subjects. Onam is a festival of love and loyalty of people for a king.
8 Who killed King Mahabali?
Nobody killed King Mahabali – he was sent to Patal Lok with morality and divine wisdom. When Mahabali was not arrogant, but his mercy and justice started increasing, then Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana. Vamana asked for three steps of land, and when Mahabali gave the donation, he measured the entire earth and sky in two steps, and Mahabali asked him to keep the third step on his head. This was not arrogance, it was humility. Lord Vishnu made him the king of Patal Lok, not killed him. And being impressed by his true devotion and love, he was blessed to return to meet his people every year – and that day is celebrated as Onam.