For all Malayalis, spread across India and other parts of the world, Thiruvonam is not just a festival. It is an emotion steeped in the love of the land, its traditions, arts, culture, food, way of life, and myths. It is not for nothing that Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. With its serene backwaters, lush vegetation, misty hills, scenic beaches, fascinating culture, and delicious cuisine, the tiny state has much to feel proud about. The festival of Onam is just one among them.
Legend behind the Onam Festival
Long before the Communists brought their message of equality and justice to Kerala, mythology says that a powerful king ruled over this land. During his reign, the kingdom prospered. The people lived in harmony and unity. It was truly a golden era. The king was Bali, who earned the moniker Mahabali due to his might and greatness. He was a just and compassionate ruler who ensured the welfare and happiness of his subjects.
Mahabali belonged to the race of Asuras and was a descendant of Prahlad, to protect whom Vishnu took his Narasimha avatar. As his power and popularity grew in leaps and bounds, the Devas in heaven trembled. They sensed a threat to their place in heaven, and the news that Bali was going to perform a Yagya that would cement his power over the 3 worlds filled them with dread.
They hastened to Lord Vishnu and apprised him of the problem. Vishnu gave them a patient hearing. He realized that it was time to take his next avatar – Vamana. Vamana was a dwarf Brahmin who seemed very humble and unassuming.
Vamana approached Mahabali and humbly requested as much land as his feet could cover in 3 steps. The unsuspecting Mahabali granted his request. It was then that Shukracharya, the preceptor of the Asuras, drew him aside and whispered, “Be careful. There is something funny here. He is not Vamana but Lord Vishnu, who is here to cut you down to size. Don’t give him what he wants. You will regret it.”
But Mahabali, known for his generosity and pride, would have none of it. It was dishonorable for anyone, let alone a king, to go back on his word. So he brushed his Guru’s misgivings aside.
Vamana began to grow until his head touched the sky. He took two steps and covered both earth and heaven. Unfazed, Bali bowed deep, offering his head. Vamana placed his foot on his head and pushed him into the netherworld. The Devas had nothing to fear now.
However, pleased with Bali’s generosity, Vishnu told him that he could return to earth and visit his subjects once every year.
The 10-day festival of Onam celebrates Mahabali’s homecoming. Thiruvonam is the most important day. It is the day Mahabali returns to his kingdom to see his subjects.
Thiruvonam Date and Timings
Onam is a 10-day-long harvest festival. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August- September). The festive celebrations of the Onam festival commence on Atham day (the day when Atham Nakshatra prevails) and continue for 10 days until the last day, called Thiruvonam, the main day. This year, Onam festivities will begin on August 26, 2025, and will conclude with Thiruvonam falling on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Thiruvonam Nakshathram begins on September 4, at 11:44 PM, and ends on September 5 at 11:38 PM.
Onam 2025 Celebrations: An Overview
The 10 days of Onam are Atham, Chithira, Chothi, Vishakham, Anizham, Thrikketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. Each day is marked by specific rituals.
People deep-clean their homes for the festival. They bathe early in the morning and create Pookalam (floral carpets or rangolis) outside their homes. On the first day, the Pookalam will be a simple one, and on subsequent days, people continue to add flowers to it, making it more intricate and beautiful.
In the days that follow, people go shopping for Onakkodi (new clothes) and visit shops that offer harvest sales to buy vegetables for the Ona Sadya. The Onakkodi is a traditional Kerala garment – kasavu sari for women and kasavu mundu for men.
The Ona Sadya is an elaborate vegetarian feast featuring 20+ dishes served on a banana leaf. All family members pitch in to prepare the Sadya, with the men taking on the more arduous tasks, such as grating coconuts.
In houses with trees and large compounds, swings come up, and children and adults alike have fun swinging on them.
Women dance the Kaikottikkali or Thiruvathirakkali, a dance characterized by slow, graceful movements punctuated by the rhythmic clapping of hands.
People keep idols of Onathappan in their homes.
The streets come alive with folk dances, such as Pulikkali, featuring dancers whose bodies are painted to resemble tigers, and the Kummattikkali, or mask dance.
Large crowds gather to watch the Vallamkali or snakeboat races that are held in the rivers and backwaters.
Cultural events take place at various venues. Classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are performed by renowned dancers.
People also participate in games called Onakkalikal, which include archery and tug-of-war.
On the day of Thiruvonam, performers dressed as Mahabali walk the streets in royal finery and greet people. Family and friends come together to enjoy a grand Ona Sadya.
Vamana Jayanti
Vamana Jayanti is a festival associated with Onam, as it celebrates the appearance or birth of Vamana, the 5th avatar of Lord Vishnu. Many people observe Vrat and perform Vishnu Pooja and other rituals to honor Vishnu. They also chant Vishnu Stotras and Mantras. Vamana Jayanti 2025 is on Thursday, September 4.