Onam Holidays in 2025

Onam is a significant festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Kerala. It marks the harvest season and is rooted in Hindu mythology, commemorating the return of the legendary King Mahabali, under whose reign Kerala was believed to have witnessed a golden era of prosperity and happiness.  

As per the legend, Mahabali was the grandson of the Brahmin sage Praladha. He was so powerful that he who took over the three worlds by defeating the Gods (Devas). In Vaishnavism, when the Devas sought Lord Vishnu's help against Mahabali, Vishnu declined due to Mahabali’s virtue and devotion. After Mahabali’s victory, he performed a Yajna (sacrificial ritual) where he was obliged to grant any request. Lord Vishnu, in the form of a dwarf avatar named Vamana, approached the king and requested only three paces of land. 

Despite being surprised by the humble request, Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew immensely, covering the earth and sky with two strides. With no space left for the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana, impressed by his devotion, sent him to Pathala (the underworld) but granted him the boon to visit his kingdom once every year. This annual visit is celebrated as the festival of Onam, symbolizing Mahabali’s return. 

Onam Rituals

The rituals of Onam, the rice harvest festival of Kerala, hold great significance and are celebrated over a period of ten days.  

1. Pookkalam: Pookkalam is the heart of Onam celebrations. Women create intricate and colorful floral carpets, known as 'Pookkalam,' on the ground at the entrance of their homes. These beautiful designs, crafted using a variety of fresh flowers, are made to welcome King Mahabali. These designs, accompanied by lit lamps, are a prominent symbol of the festival. Communities often hold competitions to see who can create the most elaborate and creative Pookkalam, making it the highlight of the festival.

1. Onakkodi: People exchange and wear new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’ as a gesture of celebration and joy during Onam. 

1. Onam Sadya: A grand feast called ‘onam sadya’ is prepared, consisting of around 13 dishes. The food is served on banana leaves and typically includes rice, various dishes, pickles, papads, and the essential sweet dish called ‘payasam,’ made of rice, milk, sugar, and coconut. 

1. Vallamkali: The boat race, especially the one featuring Snake boats, known as ‘vallamkali,’ is a major highlight of Onam. These intricately designed boats, rowed by hundreds of oarsmen, compete in a thrilling race, and substantial cash rewards are given as prizes to the winners. 

1. Processions: Elephants adorned with ornaments are a distinctive feature of Onam processions, adding grandeur to the festivities. 

1. Thrikkakara Appan or Vaman Vishnu Idols: Idols of Thrikkakara appan (Onathappan) or Vaman Vishnu are installed in homes for worship during Onam. 

1. Cultural Activities: Various cultural activities, including traditional Kathakali dance, music, art, and cuisine, are organized to celebrate Onam. 

1. Pulikali Dance: Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers perform the energetic Pulikali dance, adding vibrancy and excitement to the festival.

Top Five Onam Festival Attractions

Thripunithura Athachamayam: The festival of Thripunithura Athachamayam features a street parade attended by decorated elephants, musicians, and various traditional Kerala art forms. The festival has interesting beginnings that can be traced back to Kochi's Maharaja.

Thrikkakara Temple: Thikkakara temple is famously associated with the festival of Onam. The main highlight is the grand procession. Ceremonies begin with a flag hoisting.

Feasting: Onam is incomplete without a festival feast. It is referred to as Onasadya traditionally. It consists of a number of varieties of vegetarian dishes and milk-based sweets.

Pulikkali Tiger Play: The art of Pulikalli is one of the quirkiest festivals in the country where dancers dress up as tigers and dance through the streets imitating the tiger's steps to the accompaniment of musical instruments. The best-dressed tiger is awarded.

Aranmula Snake Boat Race: Snake boat race is another highlight of the Kerala Onam festival where traditional snake boats are raced by expert oarsmen singing ancient boat songs.

Destinations to Spend Onam Holidays

1. Thrippunithura: Thrippunithura is the best destination to spot the festivities of Onam. The venue hosts a huge number of cultural events through the ten days of Onam. Thrikkakara is considered the place of origin of Onam.
2. Trivandrum: Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is where Kerala Tourism organises its own celebrations for Onam. For one week, tourists can catch various events, food stalls, art shows and handicraft fairs. On the last day of the festival, the city hosts a huge parade.
3. Aramula: Aramula Snake Boat race brings in thousands of viewers and more than 50 competing boats. Snake boats are a cultural individuality of the state of Kerala.
4. Puli Kali dances in Thrissur: Onam also has the popular Puli Kali dance. The dance exhibition has hundreds of men with tiger-like body mask and paint.

When is Onam Observed?

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala in South India, is observed on the day of Thiruvonam nakshatram, which corresponds to the Shravana asterism, in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam. 

Traditionally, Onam is celebrated for a duration of 10 days, following the adage 'Atham 10 Onam'. The festivities begin on the day of Atham nakshatram, which is the first day of Onam, and culminate on Thiruvonam nakshatram, which is considered the most important day of the entire celebration. Thiruvonam is believed to be the day when the spirit of the legendary King Mahabali visits his people, and thus, it is the pinnacle of the Onam festivities. 

Throughout the 10-day celebration, the people of Kerala engage in various cultural activities and traditional rituals. Decorations are an integral part of the festival, with homes being adorned with intricately designed flower carpets called pookalams. Traditional songs and dances, known as Onam Kali and Pulikali, are performed with great enthusiasm. Boat races, known as Vallamkali, are also a highlight of the festivities. 

On the day of Thiruvonam, families gather for a grand feast known as Onasadya. It is a lavish vegetarian meal consisting of numerous delicacies served on a banana leaf. The feast is a symbol of unity, abundance, and prosperity. 

The date of Onam on the English calendar varies each year, but it usually falls in late August or early September. The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance for the people of Kerala, fostering a sense of unity, harmony, and community among them.

Summary of Onam Holidays 2025

Onam is one of the most important and joyful festivals in Kerala. Celebrated for 10 days, it brings people together through traditional rituals, performances, feasts, and fun activities. Events like the Thripunithura Athachamayam parade and the Aranmula Snake Boat Race highlight the excitement of the festival. Onam represents unity and happiness, with schools, offices, and businesses taking holidays so everyone can enjoy the celebrations.

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