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India Today
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
When is Onam 2025? Date, significance and rituals
Onam is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals celebrated in Kerala and by Malayali communities around the world. It is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his people once a year. The ten-day-long celebration is filled with traditional rituals, cultural performances, floral decorations, feasts, and joyous 2025, Onam will begin on August 26 with Atham and conclude on September 5 with Thiruvonam, the most important day. The festival not only celebrates Kerala's rich cultural heritage but also spreads the message of unity, equality, and is Onam 2025 Celebrated?Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which typically falls in August or September. In 2025, the dates are as follows:Atham (Day 1): August 26, 2025Thiruvonam (Day 10): September 5, 2025Thiruvonam is considered the most significant day, believed to be the time when King Mahabali descended from the heavens to visit his people. Families prepare grand feasts, decorate homes with flowers, and perform traditional rituals to welcome History and Significance of OnamAccording to Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated to honor King Mahabali, a generous and just ruler who was deeply loved by his subjects. Under his reign, Kerala witnessed great prosperity and equality. However, the gods grew concerned about his power and sought Lord Vishnu's Vishnu appeared as Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and asked Mahabali for three feet of land. With the first two steps, Vamana covered the sky and earth, and with the third, he pushed Mahabali into the underworld. However, because of Mahabali's devotion and popularity, he was granted permission to visit his people once every year. Onam celebrates this annual return of King and Traditions of OnamOnam is observed with several unique customs that highlight Kerala's culture and spirituality:Pookalam (Flower Rangoli): People create intricate floral patterns at the entrance of their Sadya (Feast): A grand vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, featuring more than 20 dishes like avial, olan, thoran, sambar, and (Boat Race): Traditional snake boat races are organised in Kerala's and Music: Folk performances like Thiruvathirakali, Kathakali, and Pulikali (tiger dance) add to the festive Mahabali: Families decorate homes and perform rituals to welcome the beloved Celebrations Across Kerala and BeyondWhile Onam is primarily celebrated in Kerala, it is also observed by Malayali communities throughout India and around the world. The festival brings families together, with many people traveling home to celebrate as a unit. Public celebrations, fairs, cultural events, and traditional games are organised across the Tourism plays a significant role in promoting Onam globally, with special cultural programs and festivals that attract visitors from around the world.- Ends
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When is Onam 2025? Know date, significance, rituals and more
Onam 2025: In the southern state of Kerala, people observe Onam to celebrate the return of the demon king Mahabali. It also marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season. With food, celebrations and many rituals, the day is observed to welcome King Mahabali on earth. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few facts, rituals and traditions to know. Onam 2025: Here are a few facts, rituals and traditions to know.(Freepik) Onam 2025: When will it be celebrated? Onam is a ten-day harvest festival. Atham marks the first day of the festival, and on the last day, Thiruvonam is observed. According to Drik Panchang, Onam is observed in the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar. This year, Atham will be observed on August 26, and Thiruvonam falls on September 5. Also read | Onam 2024: Aviyal to Ada Pradhaman, 4 traditional Sadhya recipes to make at home Onam 2025: History and significance King Mahabali was a demon king but was greatly loved by his followers and disciples. During his reign, it is believed that the state of Kerala flourished. However, King Mahabali was sent to Patal Lok, with the condition that he can visit his followers on earth only for a day every year. Onam marks the time when King Mahabali returns to earth to visit his people. The sadhya feast on Onam has more than 20 varieties of dishes, including several kinds of pickles (pexels) Onam holds great religious significance in Kerala. People of Kerala worship the land for providing bountiful of harvests to them every year. On this day, people worship King Mahabali and Lord Vamana and pray for health and longevity of their close ones. Also read | Onam 2022: All you need to know about the 10 days of Onam Onam 2025: Rituals and celebrations Onam is observed with a range of traditional dance performances such as Thiruvathira Kali, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kathakali dance. On Thiruvonam, the last day of the festival, King Mahabali visits the earth, and he is welcomed with decorations of rice batter on the doorstep of every home in Kerala. Onam Sadya, a platter of traditional local cuisine is prepared and served to family members and guests. People come back to home during this time of the year to observe the auspicious festival together.
