Onam 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History and Significance

Onam is one of the most auspicious festivals of Hindus which is mainly celebrated in different regions of South India. The harvesting festival, Onam, is celebrated with a lot of zeal and passion.

Malayalis and Keralites celebrate the Onam festival with utmost devotion. Onam is observed during Shravana Nakshatra and on Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, Onam will be celebrated on September 5, 2025.

Onam 2025: Date and Time

Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins - September 4, 2025 - 11:44 PMThiruvonam Nakshathram Ends - September 5, 2025 - 11:38 PM

Onam 2025: History

According to Hindu Scriptures, King Mahabali was a magnificent ruler of Kerala and a very generous man.

During his rule, the kingdom was incredibly peaceful and rich. The kingdom's people loved their ruler and was extremely happy. Deities, the adversaries of demons, wanted to remove Mahabali from earthly power. King Mahabali defeated them to be the king so they became envious of him. To get rid of him, they sent Lord Vishnu to him.

In order to test King Mahabali, Lord Vishnu took an avtar of Vamana (Brahmin) and requested three feet of land from him.

After he consented, Lord Vishnu asked him where he may place his third step after covering the worlds in two steps. Vamana entered the netherworld after King Mahabali asked him to place his third step on his head. However, Lord Vshnu was pleased seeing his devotion towards him. King Mahabali was blessed by Lord Vishnu that he would be able to visit his kingdom, Kerala, once a year. For this reason, Keralites commemorate the Onam festival when their beloved King Mahabali is believed to return his kingdom.

Onam 2025: Significance

One of the most important Hindu festivals is Onam. The majority of South Indians (Malayalis and Keralaites) commemorate this occasion with great grandeur and enthusiasm. They pray to Lord Vamana and King Mahabali on this auspicious day for the health and longevity of their friends, family, and loved ones. People give thanks to the earth and hope for a bountiful crop. Devotees make rangoli with flowers and colors on this holy day, and they also adorn their homes with various vibrant flowers.

Women make special sweets and meals to present to King Mahabali and Lord Vamana. On this day, a variety of cultural events take place.

Onam 2025: Celebration

The Onam celebration is more than religious significance and holds a great cultural importance in South India. People use this as a chance to enjoy this day with their loved ones, friends, and family. Keralites, who don't live in the city, they come home to celebrate this holy day with their loved ones.

They participate in a variety of cultural events, including boat races, singing and music competitions, and dance competitions.

The people of Kerala commemorate this day with great fervor, making it one of the most memorable day. Because they believe that charity and donations bring wealth and peace to their life, it is customary to donate sweets and home-cooked traditional dishes to the impoverished and in need.