- By Bornika Das
- Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:19 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Onam 2025 Date: Onam is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of Hinduism and is widely celebrated in different parts of South India. This majestic harvest festival of Kerala is the most colourful and culturally esteemed celebration in the country. Festivals with a lot of zeal and passion, Onam is characterised by elaborate feasts, classical dance performances, boat races and Onam pookalam. Observed during Shravana Nakshatra and on Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, Onam 2025 will be celebrated on September 5, the day of Thiruvonam Nakshatram. The Malalayi festival welcomes the return of the mythological King Mahabali to his home and brings happiness and prosperity with him. Onam brings families, communities and cultures together in a vibrant celebration of Kerala's tradition and values. Know Onam 2025 date, time, rituals, history and significance to celebrate Kerala’s grandest festival.
Onam 2025 Date And Time: When Is Onam?
Thiruvonam Date - Friday, September 4
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins - September 4, 2025 - 11:44 PM
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends - September 5, 2025 - 11:38 PM
ALSO READ: Onam 2025: Day-Wise Event Calendar; Check Dates, Rituals For Pookalam, Vallam Kalli And Sadhya
Onam 2025: History
According to the Hindu mythology, King Mahabali was a magnificent ruler of Kerala and a kind and generous man. During his rule, the kingdom was peaceful and filled with prosperity. King Mahabali was loved by the kingdom’s people and was extremely happy with his rule. 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. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Vamana (Brahmin) and requested three feet of land from him, to test 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. Lord Vishnu was pleased to see his devotion towards him and King Mahabali was blessed by Lord Vishnu that he would be able to visit his kingdom, Kerala, once a year. This is the reason why Malayalis celebrate the Onam festival, marking the return of the beloved King Mahabali to his kingdom.
When Is The Kerala Onam Festival In 2025 (Image Credits: Canva)
Onam 2025: Cultural Significance
Onam is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is majorly celebrated by South Indians, especially Malayalis and Keralaites. They celebrate the festival with great grandeur and enthusiasm. They offer prayers to Lord Vamana and King Mahabali for the health and longevity of their friends, family and loved ones. People also offer gratitude towards the earth and hope for a bountiful crop. Devotees make rangoli with colours and pookalam on this holy day and adorn their homes with various vibrant flowers. Women make special sweets and meals to present to King Mahabali and Lord Vamana.
Onam 2025: Rituals And Celebrations
The Onam festival is considered more than just a religious celebration, but also holds cultural importance in South India. People enjoy this day with their loved ones, friends and family. Keralites across the country come to their home to celebrate the festival and also participate in a variety of cultural events, including boat races, singing and music competitions, and dance competitions and also indulge in Onam Sadhya. As a part of the ritual, they perform charity and donations to bring wealth and peace to their life. It is customary to donate sweets and home-cooked traditional dishes to the impoverished and in need.
Thus, celebrate Onam 2025 with great enthusiasm and fervour to bring happiness, prosperity and harmony into the homes and lives of the people. This year, enjoy the grandest festival of Kerala with family, friends and loved ones.
