Dates to Remember:
August 26 to September 4, 2025
Thiruvonam (Main Day): September 5, 2025
If you’ve never heard of Onam, let’s fix that right away. Imagine this: floral carpets on every doorstep, folk songs in the air, boat races that’ll make your heart race, and food so divine it feels like a hug on a banana leaf. That’s Onam in a nutshell—but honestly, it’s more than that. It’s Kerala’s grandest celebration. And in 2025, it’s shaping up to be even more colorful, thanks to a long weekend starting with Thiruvonam on a Friday. Talk about perfect timing.
The Story Behind Onam:
Before we hop into houseboats and feast on sadya, a quick story time?
Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali, a mythical ruler so beloved that even the gods got a bit jealous. Legend says he was sent to the underworld by Vamana (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), but before leaving, he asked to visit his people once a year. That day? Thiruvonam.
It’s beautiful, really. A festival built on a promise—a king who loved his people, and people who never forgot him. Now, doesn’t that tug a little at the heart?
Important Days of Onam 2025
If you are planning your tour to Kerala during Onam, checkout these important date before you book your package.
- Atham: The first day of Onam, when people start making Pookalam (floral designs) and preparations begin.
- Chithira: Homes are cleaned and more layers are added to the floral decorations.
- Chodhi: Onam shopping begins—new clothes (Onakkodi) and festive items are bought.
- Vishakam: Cooking for Sadya begins in many homes; markets are full of activity.
- Anizham: Snake boat races (Vallam Kali) start in some regions, especially near Alappuzha.
- Thriketa: Families start coming together; more flowers and excitement.
- Moolam: Temples begin hosting special Onam feasts and traditional dances.
- Pooradam: Small clay figures of King Mahabali and Vamana are placed in homes.
- Uthradom: Considered the eve of Onam; people finish shopping and final decorations.
- Thiruvonam (Main Day): The biggest day of Onam with the grand Onam Sadya, new clothes, cultural events, and family reunions.
What Does Onam Feel Like in Kerala?
Think of the air smelling faintly of jasmine and fried bananas. Morning sun dancing on the Pookalam (floral design) at your homestay entrance. Women in white and gold sarees humming old tunes. And that little burst of percussion from the chenda drums that just hits differently.
And you—yes, the traveller with your camera and curiosity—don’t worry. You’re not just a guest here. During Onam, everyone belongs.
Read Also: 14 Famous Monsoon Festivals in India to Celebrate This Season
Thiruvonam : The Main Celebration Day
Thiruvonam isn’t just the tenth day of Onam—it’s the heart of it all. In 2025, it falls on a Friday, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway (Kerala Tourism is already gearing up, trust me).
Here’s what typically goes down:
- Sadya: The traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves—up to 26 dishes if you’re lucky. From crispy banana chips to tangy sambar to the irresistible payasam at the end… It’s honestly a food coma waiting to happen. And worth every bite.
- New clothes (Onakkodi): Locals wear new traditional outfits—think men in mundu and women in kasavu sarees.
- Cultural programs: Watch performances of Kathakali, Pulikali (tiger dance), and folk music that’ll make you wonder how your feet started tapping on their own.
- Games and competitions: From tug-of-war to Uriyadi (pot breaking), Onam games are simple but oddly thrilling.
You know what? Even if you don’t know the customs, just being there, soaking it all in… that’s enough.
Where to Celebrate Onam in Kerala:
Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, and Alappuzha—each place celebrates Onam in its own style.
- Thrissur: Great for temple events and the famous Pulikali (tiger dance).
- Alappuzha (Alleppey): Ideal for houseboat stays and peaceful backwater vibes.
- Kochi: Modern yet festive, with shopping and events.
- Thiruvananthapuram: Traditional celebrations and temple visits.
Bonus tip: Catch the Pulikali dance in Thrissur—it’s wild, colorful, and unforgettable.
Major Events During Onam 2025
- Athachamayam: Grand cultural procession marking the start of Onam, held in Thripunithura with floats, music, and folk performances.
- Pookalam Competitions: Floral design contests held across Kerala, showcasing stunning patterns made entirely with flower petals.
- Onasadya: Traditional multi-course vegetarian feast served on banana leaves—central to Onam celebrations.
- Pulikali: Men painted as tigers dance through the streets of Thrissur in this wild and colourful folk performance.
- Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race): Spectacular boat races on Kerala’s backwaters featuring longboats rowed in perfect rhythm by hundreds of oarsmen.
- Thiruvathira Kali: Graceful traditional dance performed by women around a lamp, symbolizing joy and sisterhood.
Pookalam : Flower Designs That Steal the Show
One of Onam’s most enchanting visuals is the Pookalam—floral designs laid out in circular patterns at entrances. It’s Kerala’s version of Rangoli but made entirely with flower petals. No glue, no tricks. Just patience, symmetry, and love.
By the way, you don’t need to just watch. Locals often invite guests to help out. Imagine that: a spontaneous morning making floral art with strangers who become friends over chai.
Sadya : A Traditional Kerala Meal You Must Try
It’s served on a banana leaf, and yes—there’s a correct order to how it’s done. The upper half is for side dishes, the bottom for rice. Payasam (the dessert) comes last. And no, cutlery’s not required. Eating with your hands is not just okay—it’s the way.
Each dish has its own charm—olan is creamy and subtle, erissery is hearty, kichadi tangy, thoran crunchy. And if you’re a non-veg enthusiast, don’t worry—many homestays and local kitchens offer Onam-inspired meat dishes as extras.
Read Also: 10 Yummy Kerala Cuisines You Must Try
Boat Races and Cultural Fun:
Another iconic part of Onam? The Vallam Kali, or snake boat race. Long, sleek boats with rowers paddling in perfect sync, cutting through Kerala’s backwaters like a rhythmic storm. Even if you catch just one, the energy is electric.
And it’s not just Kerala. Onam’s joy has slowly spread. In cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and even Dubai, Malayali communities host cultural events, cooking contests, and mini-sadyas. It’s a little slice of Kerala—without the monsoon.
Read Also: 12 Best Monsoon Tourist Places in Kerala
How to Plan Your Trip to Kerala for Onam 2025:
Alright, we offers variety of Kerala tour packages specially designed for Onam festival. Choose the one which suites your requirement. But before that, consider below important points.
- Book early. Hotels and homestays fill up quickly around Thiruvonam.
- Try a local homestay instead of a chain hotel. You’ll get better stories—and probably a better Sadya.
- Pack light. It’s humid, and chances are you’ll buy some local cotton anyway.
- Respect local customs. Dress modestly, especially during temple visits.
- Say yes more. Someone offers you a second serving of payasam? Go for it.
Why You’ll Remember Onam Even After You Leave:
You don’t need to know the Mahabali story by heart. You don’t need to understand every beat of the chenda. What matters is that during Onam, Kerala feels like a warm, open-hearted festival where everyone’s invited.
It’s not just about the past. It’s about who we become when we celebrate together. That unspoken bond at the Sadya table. That shy smile while helping with the Pookalam. That moment when you realize—you’re not just watching Onam. You’re part of it.
So yes, if you’re planning one festival trip in 2025? Let it be this one.
FAQs:
Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler. It’s a joyful time filled with flowers, food, and traditions that bring families and communities together.
Onam celebrations in 2025 are from August 26 to September 4, with the main day Thiruvonam on September 5 (Friday).
Thiruvonam is the main day of Onam. It’s when people enjoy the grand Sadya feast, wear new clothes, play traditional games, and take part in cultural programs.
Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali, who visits his people once a year from the underworld. The festival is all about love, promise, and the bond between a good king and his people.
Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It can have up to 26 dishes like sambar, avial, payasam, and banana chips. And yes, eating with your hands is totally the right way!
Pookalam is a beautiful floral design made using flower petals, usually in circular patterns at home entrances. It’s Kerala’s version of rangoli and adds so much colour to the festival.
Top places are Thrissur (for Pulikali), Alappuzha (for boat races), Kochi (for a modern touch), and Thiruvananthapuram (for traditional temple celebrations).
Pulikali is a fun and colourful dance where men paint themselves like tigers and dance through the streets. It’s loud, wild, and a must-see during Onam in Thrissur!
