Onam 2025: Dates, History, Significance & How Kerala Celebrates

Onam is Kerala’s most celebrated festival, a vibrant blend of tradition, culture, and joy. Known as the Kerala harvest festival, it commemorates the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and showcases the state’s rich heritage. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling on September 5, 2025. This guide explores the history, significance, celebrations, and travel tips for experiencing Onam in Kerala.

History of Onam

The story of Onam traces back to the legendary reign of King Mahabali, a benevolent and just ruler whose generosity and popularity made the gods envious. Lord Vishnu, taking the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, approached Mahabali and requested land equal to three paces. With his first two steps, Vamana covered heaven and earth, leaving no space for the third. In a gesture of humility, Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu sent Mahabali to the underworld but permitted him to visit his people once a year. Onam celebrates this annual return, with Malayalis welcoming their beloved king with love, flowers, and feasts.

Significance of Onam

Onam is more than a festival; it is the cultural soul of Kerala:

  • Harvest Festival: Marks the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season.

  • Unity & Inclusivity: Celebrated across religions, uniting communities.

  • Malayalam New Year: Falls in Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar.

  • Cultural Heritage: Showcases Kerala’s classical arts, traditional feasts, and folk performances.

Onam 2025: 10-Day Celebration Calendar

Onam spans 10 days, each with unique rituals and significance. Below is the schedule for 2025:

Day Malayalam Name Date (2025) Highlights
Day 1 Atham Aug 26, 2025 Processions at Thripunithura; Pookalam (flower carpets) begin.
Day 2 Chithira Aug 27, 2025 More flowers added to Pookalam; homes decorated.
Day 3 Chodhi Aug 28, 2025 Families buy new clothes (Onakkodi).
Day 4 Vishakam Aug 29, 2025 Market shopping; early feasts begin.
Day 5 Anizham Aug 30, 2025 Vallamkali (snake boat races) start.
Day 6 Thriketa Aug 31, 2025 Family gatherings and temple visits.
Day 7 Moolam Sept 1, 2025 Cultural programs and Sadya feasts in temples.
Day 8 Pooradam Sept 2, 2025 Clay pyramids (Onathappan) placed in Pookalam.
Day 9 Uthradam Sept 4, 2025 Known as First Onam; families stock up for Thiruvonam.
Day 10 Thiruvonam Sept 5, 2025 Main day: Onam Sadya feast, Pookalam, Pulikali, boat races, rituals.

How Kerala Celebrates Onam

Onam transforms Kerala into a cultural paradise with a variety of traditions:

  • Pookalam: Colorful floral carpets adorn doorsteps, growing more intricate each day.

  • Onam Sadya: A lavish vegetarian feast with over 20 dishes served on banana leaves.

  • Vallamkali: Thrilling snake boat races on Kerala’s backwaters.

  • Pulikali: Vibrant tiger dance performances, especially in Thrissur.

  • Cultural Arts: Performances of Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Kalaripayattu, and folk songs.

  • Temple Rituals: Special prayers at Thrikkakara Temple in Kochi, dedicated to Vamana.

Travel to Kerala for Onam 2025

Onam is the perfect time to visit Kerala, as the state comes alive with festivals, feasts, and vibrant colors. Whether you’re savoring the Onam Sadya, watching snake boat races, or enjoying Pulikali dances, the experience is unforgettable. For a comfortable journey from Coimbatore or nearby cities, consider Smart Holidays Travels for reliable transportation:

  • Tempo Traveller Rentals: Ideal for family trips and large groups.

  • Innova Crysta Rentals: Perfect for small families seeking comfort.

  • Force Urbania Vans: Luxury travel for corporate and group tours.

With professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles, Smart Holidays ensures a stress-free journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Onam festivities fully.

FAQ 

1. When is Onam celebrated in 2025?
Onam 2025 will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5, 2025, with the main day, Thiruvonam, on September 5, 2025.

2. Why do we celebrate Onam?
Onam is celebrated to honour the annual return of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler loved for his just and prosperous reign. It is also Kerala’s harvest festival, symbolising abundance and joy.

3. What are the 10 days of Onam called?
The 10 days are Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. Each day has cultural and spiritual importance.

4. What is the main highlight of Onam?
The highlights include:

  • 🌸 Pookalam (floral carpets)

  • 🍲 Onam Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast)

  • 🚣 Vallamkali (snake boat races)

  • 🐯 Pulikali (tiger dance)

  • 🎭 Kathakali & Thiruvathira performances

5. How long does Onam last?
Onam is a 10-day festival, though some regions extend it to 12 days, ending with Avittom and Chathayam.

6. How can tourists experience Onam in Kerala?
Tourists can enjoy snake boat races in Alappuzha, witness Pulikali in Thrissur, attend temple rituals at Thrikkakara Temple, and savour the Onam Sadya across Kerala.

7. Is Onam celebrated outside Kerala?
Yes. Malayali communities across India and abroad—especially in cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Dubai, and New York—celebrate Onam with feasts, cultural events, and stage performances.

8. How to travel from Coimbatore to Kerala for Onam 2025?
The best way to travel from Coimbatore to Kerala for Onam 2025 is with Smart Holidays Travels. They offer Innova Crysta rentals for families, 10–16 seater Tempo Traveller rentals for groups, and luxury Force Urbania vans, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and affordable festive journey.