Onam 2025 – History, Significance and Celebration Ideas

Onam, originating from the Sanskrit word “Shravanam” or constellation, is celebrated with great fervour in Kerala and is the state’s biggest and most awaited festival. This year, Onam will be celebrated on August 26. The importance of Onam celebration is such that holidays are declared across various organisations well in advance!

Every year, Malayalees in Kerala and across the world celebrate Onam to mark the homecoming of the Great King Mahabali. It also marks the harvest season for Kerala. The festival lasts for ten days, with the tenth day celebrated as Onam. With the year’s festive season kicking off across the country, why not find out just how you too can join the celebrations?

History and Significance of Onam

The history of Onam is closely tied to the legend of King Mahabali, a demon king who ruled over Kerala in ancient times. Under his rule, the land flourished, and people lived in harmony. Mahabali was beloved by his people because of his just and kind nature. However, the gods grew jealous of his prosperity and the devotion of his subjects, fearing that Mahabali’s power could overshadow theirs. To curtail his influence, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin), tricked Mahabali during a yajna (sacrificial ritual).

Vamana requested three paces of land, and when granted, he expanded to a gigantic size and covered the entire universe in three steps. At this point, Mahabali realized the trick and, out of humility and devotion, allowed Vamana to take the third step on his head, which sent him to the netherworld. Despite being exiled, Mahabali promised his people that he would return once every year to visit them.

Onam celebrates the annual visit of King Mahabali to his homeland, and it is a time for the people to welcome him with love, respect, and joy.

Onam is a festival celebrated in Kerala to honor the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler known for his kindness and fairness. It marks a time of joy, unity, and prosperity. The festival is a way to express gratitude for the harvest and celebrate the abundance of nature.

Onam brings together people from all backgrounds, promoting harmony and togetherness. The grand Onam Sadhya (feast) and traditional activities like Pookalam (floral designs), boat races, and cultural dances reflect Kerala’s rich culture. It also highlights values such as humility, fairness, and community spirit.

The Mythology Behind Onam

Onam festival history is the perfect blend of mythology and tradition – the kind that makes great Indian legends. According to myths, Mahabali was a well-loved king and the greatest to have ever ruled Kerala. It is believed that he was sent to rule the underworld by the Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu. Every year on a fixed day, he visits his subjects. His homecoming is celebrated as Onam or Thiruvonam.

Onam Celebration – 5 Majestic Sights!

Here we celebrate the most awaiting festivals of onam. You will get the ideas of how we can make this festival more interesting.

1. Flower Rangoli – Pookolam

Pookolam is the art of making beautiful designs with different types of flowers in the entryway of homes. During the ten days of the festival, a different flower layer is added to the Pookolam each day. Pookolams are made to give a beautiful welcome to Mahabali. Flowers such as marigold, rose and lotus are used to create stunning designs in yellow, orange, white, pink and purple. While new designs trend every year, traditional diyas, flowers and geometric patters are evergreen.

2. Banquet Lunch – Onasadya

A grand meal is prepared on the day of Thiruvonam and served on banana leaves. It is a nine course vegetarian meal with at least four vegetables. Some restaurants in Kerala offer as many as thirty dishes as Onasadya! For many families around the globe, Onasadya is a way to connect with friends and family. Not to forget, they get some lip-smacking pappadams (papad), payasams and uppilittathu (pickles)!

3. Snake Boat Race – Vallamkali

The Vallamkali or the snake boat race is a fun and entertaining way of celebrating Onam. Boat teams participate in the competitions organised across the state with about 150 men on each team. Trophies and prizes are distributed to the winning teams. Young men train and practise for the Vallamkali months in advance. After all, it is also considered a mark of strength and valour!

4. Folk Dances

Kerala is famous for its vibrant and expressive dance forms. The dance tradition gets infused with new life at this time. Kathakali and Kaikottikali are performed with renewed vigour to celebrate Onam. Thumbithullal – a dance performed by women in praise of their King Mahabali – is also very popular.

5. Elephant Procession

Elephants are an intrinsic part of Onam as a mark of royalty and richness. They are decorated in gold, flowers and other ornaments and taken around in a majestic procession around cities. People from all over the world gather to watch the spectacle. This is one thing that gets the kids really excited too!

The specialty of Onam is that the festival is celebrated by one and all in Kerala irrespective of their religion. The widespread global population of Malayalees comes up with unique Onam celebration ideas each year to cherish their tradition on this beautiful day. If you have been planning a trip to God’s own country, there is no better time than Onam – a spectacular celebration of secularism and rich culture!

Also Read: Beautiful Onam Wishes,Quotes and Messages

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