Onam 2025: When is Onam? Complete Calendar, Puja Rituals, History and Significance of 12-Day Celebrations

Waking up to the vibrant colors of fresh flowers beautifully arranged outside every home-known as Pookalam-and seeing men in mundu (traditional wear in South India) and women in Kasavu saree is a sign that you are living the best time that many Malayalis living outside Kerala are craving.

The air is filled with joy and excitement as families dress in traditional attire, their hearts ready to welcome the legendary King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit every year during this one time of the year. This is Onam-a magical celebration of unity, prosperity, and culture that transforms Kerala into a stage for celebrating tradition and togetherness.

When Is Onam 2025?

Onam follows the Malayalam lunar calendar, specifically the month of Chingam.

The festival culminates on the day when the Thiruvonam star (Nakshatra) shines brightest, which in 2025 falls on Friday, September 5. The celebrations begin roughly 10 days earlier, from August 26, marked by various cultural rituals and communal joy and it’ll continue till September 6th.

The history and significance behind the day

Onam tells the legendary tale of King Mahabali, who is known to be a ruler with immense kindness and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was sent to the underworld by Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Vamana, but was granted permission to visit his people once in a year.

This annual visit is celebrated as Onam-a festival of reunion, prosperity, and gratitude. In India’s southern state of Kerala, Onam is considered the state festival. It commemorates New Year’s Day and is also recognized as a harvest festival.

The 12-Day Calendar and Rituals

Onam unfolds across several days, each day has different rituals and meanings:Atham (August 26, 2025): The first day, when preparations begin, especially creating intricate floral designs called Pookalam.Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam,.. Each day some new activities like house cleaning, festive shopping, cooking, and cultural events take place.Thiruvonam (September 5, 2025): This happens to be the most important day marked by grand feasts called Onamsadya, traditional dances, boat races, and prayers welcoming King Mahabali’s spirit.

Puja rituals and cultural events

Onam's puja rituals begin with Atham, the day where houses are cleaned and floral carpets, Pookkalam, are made to ensure a grand welcome of King Mahabali.

Family members perform prayers and light lamps, offering rice flour sweets and flowers to the deities. The main religious observances include visiting temples, preparing Nivedyam (offerings), and rituals such as Aarppu Vilikkukal, where the male members of the family raise loud, rhythmic shouts of joy to mark the formal beginning of the festival.

Cultural events continue for ten days and feature boat races (Vallamkali), tiger dance (Pulikali), folk performances like Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Kummattikali, and elephant processions.

Another extremely interesting ritual is the grand Onasadya: a feast of over 20 dishes served on banana leaves.

Why Onam matters even today

Onam is more than just a harvest festival, it reflects Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, community bonding, and the timeless story of love and devotion between a ruler and his people. This is a period when social barriers are consciously set aside . The grand Shadya (feast) is a gesture of inclusivity, inviting everyone-regardless of caste, creed, or status-to a common table.

It attracts tourists worldwide and helps them to experience the unique blend of mythology, nature, and celebration.

Even though the centre idea behind celebrating the day is an age-old story , the rituals, stories, music, and games associated with Onam help each generation to stay connected with this festival. Onam is indeed a beautiful testimony of cultural preservation.

Why is the 2025 Onam so special?

In 2025, the main day of Onam falling on a Friday, people are planning for a long weekend of homecoming and celebration.

Families spread across cities and countries are making special plans to reunite for a longer period this time. Decorating different corners of the house, preparation for traditional Onam sadhya , ordering flowers for Pookalam , practice sessions for cultural events, everything together has already started adding so much life to the state.

The extended break is a relief that promises a longer sense of togetherness, allowing people to fully engage themselves in the joys, rituals, and festivities of Onam without the usual rush. This year, the spirit of Onam shines even brighter because of that.