An auspicious festival, Onam, is around the corner. Onam is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus. Malayalis and Keralites celebrate the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, a harvesting festival, with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is celebrated on Dwadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, and under Shravana Nakshatra. Onam honours King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler.
Onam is commemorated during the Chingam month of the Malayalam Solar Calendar. Chingam month is also known as Simha month in some solar calendars and Avani month in the Tamil calendar. Onam in 2025 begins with the auspicious day of Atham on Tuesday, August 26, while the main festival day of Thiruvonam is on Friday, September 5.
Onam | Thiruvonam 2025: Date and Time (Muhurat)
- Atham: August 26, 2025
- Chithira: August 27, 2025
- Chithira: August 28, 2025
- Chothi: August 29, 2025
- Vishakham: August 30, 2025
- Anizham: August 31, 2025
- Thrikketta: September 1, 2025
- Moolam: September 2, 2025
- Pooradam: September 3, 2025
- Uthradam: September 4, 2025
- Thiruvonam on Friday, September 5, 2025
- Onam | Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins – 11:44 PM on Sep 04, 2025
- Onam | Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends – 11:38 PM on Sep 05, 2025
- Avittom: September 6, 2025
- Chathayam: September 7, 2025
Rituals for Onam | Thiruvonam
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Make a Pookalam (floral rangoli) to welcome King Mahabali.
- Place a statue of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu) in the center of the Pookalam.
- Wear new traditional clothes.
- Prepare the Onam Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast.
- Offer prayers and perform rituals.
- Serve and eat the Sadya with family.
- Participate in cultural games and dances.
- Light a traditional lamp in the evening.
History of Onam | Thiruvonam
As per Hindu Mythology, King Mahabali was so generous and considered a great ruler of Kerala. The kingdom was so prosperous and peaceful under his power. People of the kingdom were happy and they loved their king. The enemy of demons, the Deities, wanted to end the rule of Mahabali on Earth. They were jealous of him as King Mahabali defeated them to become the king. They sent Lord Vishnu to King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana Avatar (Brahmin).
Vamana Avatar went to King Mahabali to test him, and asked for three feet of land from Mahabali. He agreed on that, so Lord Vishnu covered all the worlds in two steps and then asked him for a place to put his third step. King Mahabali requested Vamana to put his third step on his head, which took him to the netherworld. But this made Lord Vishnu happy, and he was pleased by his devotion and generosity. Lord Vishnu blessed King Mahabali that he would be able to visit his kingdom (Kerala) once a year. That’s why the people of Kerala celebrate this Onam festival as the homecoming day of their beloved king, Mahabali.
Common Traditions
- Pookalam: Floral decorations in circular patterns.
- Onam Sadya: A 26-dish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves.
- Vallam Kali: Traditional snake boat races across Kerala’s backwaters.
- Onakalikal: Group games and cultural events in villages and towns.
- Traditional Dress: Men wear Mundu, and women wear Kasavu sarees.
Also Read: Sharad Navratri: Dates, Significance, and Rituals
Things to Do or Not to Do onam | Thiruvonam
| What to Do on Onam | What Not to Do on Onam |
| Create a Pookalam (floral rangoli) in front of your home. | Avoid wearing black clothes, as it is considered inauspicious. |
| Prepare a traditional Onam Sadya, a feast with 26 dishes. | Do not use plastic or disposable plates for the Sadya. |
| Wear traditional Kerala attire like the Kasavu saree. | Do not waste food, especially during the Onam Sadya. |
| Do not engage in activities that cause conflict or disrespect for tradition. | Avoid non-vegetarian food, as the festival is traditionally vegetarian. |
| Exchange gifts and greetings with family and friends. | Do not engage in activities that cause conflict or disrespect tradition. |
Also Read: Radha Ashtami: Date, Muhurat, Rituals, and Things To Do
