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Onam festival in 2025 falls on Fri, 5th September according to the predictions by SearchIndia. Onam is a malayalam festival and is celebrated by Malayalees or Kerala people. Onam is celebrated as one of the 6 Malayalam Festivals by Malayalees or Kerala people and celebrations and rituals remarking Onam is carried out differently in different parts.
Onam is a vibrant and culturally rich festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Known as the "festival of harvest," Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is considered the golden era of Kerala. This ten-day festival, which usually falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), is a time of joy, unity, and cultural expression, drawing people from all communities to partake in the festivities.
According to the legend of Onam, King Mahabali, a benevolent and just ruler, was granted permission by Lord Vishnu to visit his kingdom once a year, despite being sent to the netherworld. Onam celebrates this annual visit, symbolizing the prosperity and happiness that Mahabali's reign brought to the land. The festival is a reminder of the values of equality, generosity, and communal harmony.
One of the most iconic aspects of Onam is the "Pookalam," an intricate floral carpet laid at the entrance of homes. Each day of the festival, families add fresh flowers to the Pookalam, creating vibrant and artistic designs. This tradition is a symbol of welcoming King Mahabali and is a testament to the artistic skills and creativity of the people of Kerala.
The highlight of Onam is the grand feast known as "Onam Sadhya," a sumptuous meal served on banana leaves. The Sadhya consists of a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and the famous dessert, payasam. This elaborate meal is a celebration of Kerala's rich culinary heritage and is enjoyed by families and communities coming together in a spirit of sharing and togetherness.
Onam is also renowned for its traditional art forms and cultural performances. The festival showcases classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, as well as folk dances such as Thiruvathira and Pulikali, where performers paint themselves as tigers and hunters. These performances are a vibrant display of Kerala's cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
The Vallamkali, or snake boat race, is another thrilling aspect of Onam. Held on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, this event features long, elegantly decorated boats, each rowed by hundreds of oarsmen in perfect unison. The boat race is a spectacle of strength, coordination, and competitive spirit, drawing large crowds of spectators and participants alike.
In addition to these festivities, Onam is a time for various games and sports, collectively known as "Onakalikal." These include traditional games like tug-of-war, archery, and the indigenous martial art form, Kalaripayattu. These activities foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, reflecting the festival's spirit of unity and joy.
Onam is not just a festival for Hindus but is celebrated by people of all religions and communities in Kerala, making it a symbol of the state's secular and inclusive ethos. The festival transcends religious boundaries, bringing people together in a celebration of life, nature, and shared cultural heritage.
In contemporary times, Onam continues to be celebrated with great fervor, both in Kerala and among the Malayali diaspora worldwide. The festival serves as a reminder of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of unity, generosity, and harmony. It is a time for families to come together, renew bonds, and create cherished memories.
In conclusion, Onam is a festival that embodies the spirit of Kerala, celebrating its cultural richness, communal harmony, and the enduring legacy of King Mahabali. Its observance is a testament to the state's vibrant traditions and the universal values of love, equality, and togetherness. As families and communities come together to celebrate Onam, they are reminded of the timeless teachings of their ancestors and the enduring blessings of prosperity and happiness.