Onam 2025: Date, History, Celebrations & Pookalam Ideas
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Onam is Kerala’s most cherished festival, celebrated with flowers, feasts, and traditions that date back centuries. Known as the harvest festival of Kerala, it marks the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali. In Onam 2025, homes across the state will be decorated with vibrant Pookalam, kitchens will bustle with the aroma of the Onam Sadhya, and streets will come alive with traditional dances, music, and boat races.
When is Onam 2025?
In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from Tuesday, 26 August 2025 to Friday, 5 September 2025. The main day, Thiruvonam, falls on Friday, 5 September 2025.
Ten Days of Onam Festival:
- Atham – 26 August 2025
- Chithira – 27 August 2025
- Chodhi – 28 August 2025
- Vishakam – 29 August 2025
- Anizham – 30 August 2025
- Thriketa – 31 August 2025
- Moolam – 1 September 2025
- Pooradam – 2 September 2025
- Uthradam – 4 September 2025
- Thiruvonam – 5 September 2025
Why Onam is Celebrated – The Legend of King Mahabali
Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali, a ruler admired for his fairness and kindness. According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana, a humble Brahmin, to test the king’s generosity. After receiving three paces of land and covering the earth and sky in two steps, Vamana placed the third on Mahabali’s head, sending him to the netherworld. Touched by his humility, Vishnu granted Mahabali permission to visit his people once a year — that visit is celebrated as Onam.
How Onam is Celebrated
During Onam 2025, you’ll find:
● Pookalam – Colorful floral rangolis at every doorstep
● Onam Sadhya – A vegetarian feast served on banana leaves
● Vallam Kali – Snake boat races on Kerala’s backwaters
● Pulikali – Men painted as tigers dancing to drumbeats
● Folk Arts & Games – Thiruvathira Kali, Uriyadi, and more
How to Make Onam Pookalam Designs
Step-by-Step:
- Choose the spot – A clean, flat entrance area
- Draw the outline – Use chalk or rice flour
- Arrange flowers – Start from the center, moving outward
- Balance colors – Use vibrant contrasting petals
- Add diyas – For a glowing festive look
Popular Patterns: Lotus designs, peacock motifs, geometric circles, and Kerala temple art.
Pro Tip: Fresh petals and symmetry are key to a stunning Pookalam.
Onam Sadhya – Feast of Abundance
The Onam Sadhya can have 26–30 dishes, each representing Kerala’s rich culinary tradition:
Parippu (Dal curry with ghee), Sambar, Avial, Olan, Erissery, Pachadi, and Payasam (traditional dessert). Served on a banana leaf, it symbolizes nature’s bounty and festive togetherness.
Where Onam is Celebrated
Onam is celebrated across Kerala, and among Malayali communities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and around the world — especially in the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Interesting Facts about Onam
● Declared Kerala’s official state festival in 1961
● Celebrated by Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in Kerala
● Vallam Kali is now a major tourist event
Conclusion
Onam 2025 is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of tradition, unity, and gratitude. Whether you’re arranging a Pookalam, preparing a Sadhya, or simply sending wishes to loved ones, this harvest festival is a reminder of Kerala’s timeless charm and cultural richness.
Happy Onam 2025!