Onam 2025

What is the Onam Festival?

Onam is considered an ancient and traditional festival of South India, especially Kerala. The word "Onam" is taken from the Malayalam language and is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Shravanam," which is the name of a constellation (star cluster). According to the Kerala calendar, this festival is celebrated when the Thiruvonam star appears. Just as Dussehra, Durga Puja, and Ganeshotsav are celebrated across the country for ten days with grandeur and joy, similarly, in Kerala, this ten-day-long Onam festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and delight. The final and most significant day of this continuous ten-day festival is called "Thiruvonam," which is celebrated with special cheer and festivity.

Traditionally, it marks the birth anniversary of Lord Vamana (the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and the annual return of the demon king Mahabali to earth. Onam also signifies the arrival of the new harvest and family gatherings, during which homes and courtyards are cleaned and decorated with floral rangoli (Pookkalam) and worship is performed with great devotion and joy.

Onam 2025 Date and Time

• Onam Festival Date: 5 September 2025 (Friday)
• Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins: 4 September 2025 at 11:44 P.M.
• Thiruvonam Nakshatra Ends: 5 September 2025 at 11:58 P.M.
• Auspicious Time for Onam Puja: From 6:00 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. (may vary by location)

Mythological Story of Onam

The mythological story of Onam is linked to King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu's Vamana incarnation. According to the legends, Mahabali was a generous king who gave his people a prosperous life. The gods, worried about his growing power, sought help from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (a Brahmin) and asked Mahabali for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed, and with the first two steps, Vamana covered the earth and the sky. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana granted Mahabali a boon that he could visit his people on earth once every year. In remembrance of this story, the Onam festival is celebrated in Kerala, and it is believed that on this day, Mahabali descends from heaven to visit his people.

Major Anushthan of Onam

• Floral Rangoli (Pookkalam): Women of the family create beautiful floral rangoli in the courtyard. Layers of colourful flowers are arranged to enhance the beauty of the surroundings.
• Cultural Programs: There is a tradition of songs and dances. Folk dances like Thiruvathira Kali (a circular dance performed by women), Kummattikali (folk dancers with colourful masks), and Pulikali (tiger dance) are organized. Kerala's famous Kathakali and other traditional dance dramas are also performed.
• Boat Race (Vallamkali): Snake boat races are held in various lakes and rivers of Kerala. Famous boat competitions like Aranmula and Nehru Trophy are conducted, where the boats move in rhythm with the beats of traditional drums (Chenda).
• Formal Puja and Worship: Idols of Lord Vishnu in the Vamana form or King Mahabali are installed at homes and temples for worship. The worship area is decorated with lamps, incense, flowers, and coconuts.
• Onam Sadya (Feast): On Thiruvonam day, a grand vegetarian feast called Sadya is served on banana leaves. It includes more than ten dishes such as vegetables, papad, payasam, and more. This meal is enjoyed together by families and communities.

Benefits of the Onam Festival

The Onam festival is socially, economically, and spiritually beneficial for the entire Kerala and Malayali community. In nature's cycle, it is seen as a celebration of healthy crops and the joy of seasonal change, so people express gratitude towards the environment. During the festival, folk arts, culture, and traditions are preserved, which promotes cultural heritage. Socially, it binds everyone together - people of all castes, religions, and communities celebrate the festival unitedly, strengthening unity and harmony.

Economically, families buy new clothes, jewellery, and gifts, and purchase fruits, flowers, and other items for hosting guests, which boosts local industries. Additionally, people feel joyful through family gatherings, which deepens warmth and harmony in relationships.

Worship Method of Onam

• Start the puja early in the morning after taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. Install an idol or picture of Lord Vamana (Vishnu) and King Mahabali at home. Decorate the puja place with lamps, incense, rice grains (Akshat), and flowers.
• Offer the puja materials with devotion: light a ghee lamp, perform Abhishekam of the deity with pure water and milk. Offer sandalwood paste, vermilion, turmeric-rice, and place fruits and sweet offerings as per the ritual or fast.
• It is auspicious to listen to the story of the Vamana incarnation in the temple or narrate it within the family. Read the relevant part of the Bhagavata Purana and remember the glory of Mahabali.
• Maintain peace and devotion during the puja. Chant mantras related to Vishnu Vamana or Mahabali, such as "Om Vamaneshwaraya Namah." In the end, distribute the prasad to everyone and offer gifts or Dakshina to family members.

Onam Mantra Chanting

During the Onam festival, devotees chant mantras praising Lord Vamana and King Mahabali during the worship. It is common to recite mantras related to Vishnu's Vamana form or Mahabali, such as "Om Namo Bhagavate Vamaneshwaraya" or "Om Namo

Mahabalyaya." Along with these powerful mantras, devotees also recite shlokas to remember the glory of Mahabali and Lord Vishnu. (The main mantras may vary slightly among different groups and traditions.)

Religious and Cultural Significance of Onam

Onam holds religious importance as it is considered a festival to express devotion towards Lord Vishnu's Vamana incarnation and King Mahabali. On this day, people express gratitude at the feet of the Lord, wishing for an ideal golden-age-like rule. Culturally, this festival reflects the central cultural heritage - the tradition of folk dances, music, arts, and special cuisines highlights the pride of Kerala. Onam brings everyone together, as people of all religions and communities showcase unity on this day.

Spiritual and Social Significance of Onam

Spiritually, Onam reminds us of devotion to the Vamana incarnation and the greatness of Mahabali. This festival teaches gratitude and compassion - remembering Mahabali's generosity awakens a sense of devotion. Socially, Onam connects everyone in equality: people of all castes and religions sit together at home to share meals and celebrate the joy of the festival. In schools, temples, and community events, everyone comes together to enjoy folk arts, which strengthens social harmony and the spirit of brotherhood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Onam celebrated?
   This festival is celebrated to welcome the blessed return of King Mahabali and to express gratitude for a good harvest. According to the legend, after donating three paces of land to Lord Vishnu in the Vamana form, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his devotees every year, which is remembered through this festival.
2. What should be done during Onam?
   First, clean the house, decorate the puja area with floral rangoli, and worship Lord Vamana and King Mahabali. Watch traditional performances like folk dances, Kathakali, and Pulikali, and share prasad with loved ones. All family members wear new clothes and take part in the Onam Sadya (special feast served on banana leaves).
3. How to celebrate Onam at home?
   Start the day with a bath and prayer. Decorate a small mandap for the puja, make a floral rangoli, and install an idol of Lord Vamana or Mahabali. Prepare simple traditional food on banana leaves and invite family and friends. In the evening, light a ghee lamp and enjoy traditional songs and music.
4. How to perform the Onam Worship?
   Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. During the puja, worship Lord Vishnu (in Vamana form), and offer flowers, sandalwood paste, and light a lamp. Listen to the story of Mahabali and chant appropriate mantras. At the end, distribute fruits and sweets as prasad.
5. What should not be done during Onam?
   Avoid anger, conflicts, or any negative activities during the festival. After the morning cleaning, do not sweep or mop again until evening. Do not offer impure items at the puja place. Stay humble and devoted during worship and meals.
6. What should be done on Onam day?
   Participate in worship throughout the day, watch folk performances, and visit family homes to exchange gifts. Visit temples and donate food to the needy. In the evening, enjoy delicious dishes prepared on fresh leaves and celebrate joyfully with family.
7. What to eat during the Onam fast?
   There is no separate strict fast specifically for Onam, but those who observe a fast can eat fruits, milk, peanuts, sago, and fasting grains (like buckwheat). Light dishes made with ghee, curd, and coconut can also be consumed in moderation.
8. What not to eat during the Onam fast?
   Avoid tamasic (heavy or non-vegetarian) food during the fast. If you are fasting, refrain from eating regular grains.