Onam 2025: Kerala Prepares for Its Grandest Harvest Festival

As the calendar turns towards late August and early September 2025, the air in Kerala will once again fill with the vibrant spirit of Onam, the state's most cherished and spectacular harvest festival. A celebration deeply rooted in myth, tradition, and agricultural prosperity, Onam unites people from all walks of life in a spectacular display of culture, joy, and communal feasting.

Get ready to mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the ten-day extravaganza that culminates in the auspicious day of Thiruvonam.

The Onam festivities for 2025 are set to commence with Atham on August 27, 2025, gradually building up to the grand finale of Thiruvonam on September 5, 2025.

This period is a tapestry woven with ancient rituals, colourful traditions, and heartfelt reunions. The ten days, starting from Atham and progressing through Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and finally Thiruvonam, each hold unique significance, with preparations intensifying as the days pass.

At the heart of Onam lies the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura king who ruled Kerala with unparalleled wisdom and generosity.

His reign was considered a golden era of prosperity and equality. Fearing his growing power, the Devas sought Lord Vishnu's intervention. Vishnu, in his Vamana (dwarf Brahmin) avatar, tricked Mahabali into granting him three paces of land. With his first two steps, Vamana covered the earth and the heavens.

For the third step, the righteous Mahabali offered his head, and Vishnu, pleased by his devotion, banished him to the netherworld, granting him the boon to visit his beloved subjects once a year. This annual homecoming of King Mahabali is what Onam commemorates, symbolizing a renewed sense of hope, justice, and the spirit of a golden past.

The celebrations are a feast for the senses.

Homes are adorned with intricate floral carpets called Pookalams, which grow in size and complexity each day from Atham. Women elegantly perform Kaikottikali (Thiruvathirakali), a traditional dance, while men engage in vigorous Vadamvali (tug-of-war) and other traditional games. The iconic Pulikali (Tiger Dance), where performers are painted as tigers and hunters, adds a wild burst of energy to the festivities.

And no Onam is complete without the exhilarating Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races) on the backwaters, a spectacular display of teamwork and ancient heritage.

However, the culinary highlight of Onam is undoubtedly the Onam Sadya. This elaborate vegetarian feast, traditionally served on a fresh banana leaf, features an astonishing array of 20-30 exquisite dishes, including various curries, pickles, payasams (sweet puddings), and crispy savouries.

It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a communal act of sharing and abundance that truly embodies the spirit of the festival.

Onam is more than just a festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries, fostering a sense of unity, peace, and prosperity across Kerala.

It’s a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts (Onakkodi – new clothes), and share in the collective joy. As Kerala gears up to welcome King Mahabali once again, the state prepares to burst into a symphony of colours, flavours, and traditions, inviting everyone to partake in its vibrant heritage.

Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyous Onam 2025!