Do you ever feel that something ancient still lives in our hearts, something we don’t see, but we sense? Whether you’re from Kerala or a world away, Onam calls to your spirit like an old story you've somehow always known. Let’s rediscover this sacred celebration, just the way our ancestors intended, with emotion, devotion, and depth. Are you seeking the Onam 2025 date? Let’s find out.

What is Onam?

Onam is the most revered festival in Kerala. It marks the annual return of King Mahabali, a ruler so noble that his people still await his visit. Additionally, Onam is more than a harvest festival; it’s a celebration of devotion, surrender, and spiritual truth, woven beautifully into rituals, Pookalams (flower rangolis), dance and Sadya (traditional feast).

When is Onam 2025?

Onam is not just mythology; it’s a mirror. Mahabali’s story reflects ego that turns into humility, power that bows to dharma, and material rule transforming into spiritual presence. Thiruvonum is a crucial day of the Onam festival, which falls on the 10th day of this festival. Let’s find out when is Onam in the year 2025.

• Date - 5th September 2025, Friday

• Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins - 11:44 PM, 4th September 2025

• Thiruvonam Nakshatra Ends - 11:38 PM, 5th September 2025

Don’t miss reading: Astrological Significance of Onam Festival

Who Was King Mahabali?

A long time ago, when ego ruled the hearts of kings, there lived an Asura (demon lineage) ing named Mahabali. He ruled with compassion, fairness, and wisdom. No one in his kingdom was ever hungry, no one felt fear.

When someone shines too brightly, even the heavens take notice. The gods, afraid of his growing popularity, turned to Lord Vishnu and requested him to find a solution. Our beloved lord took form (Avatar) of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana, the Lord approached Mahabali and asked for three steps of land.

Mahabali agreed, although Guru Shukracharya advised the King Mahabali to deny giving land to the Brahman, as he is Lord Vishnu in the form of a Brahman. However, Mahabali didn’t listen to his advice; therefore Shukracharya cursed Mahabali to be devoid of prosperity (Shreeheen).

At that moment, Lord Vamana grew huge, and covered the Earth with his first step and the sky with his second step, and when he asked King Bali about where he should keep his third step, Mahabali politely asked the Lord Vamana to keep his feet on Bali himself.

This was not a defeat. It was his highest moment of surrender. So pleased was Lord Vishnu that he made Mahabali the King of Patala (underworld) and himself stood as a Dwarpal (gatekeeper) of Bali’s kingdom. Lord Vamana blessed him and gave him a boon to return once a year to visit his people, and that return is Onam.

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The Ten Divine Days: Onam Rituals

The festival of Onam teaches us to celebrate togetherness, return to simplicity, and practice gratitude and inner surrender. It’s a celebration that lasts for 10 days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam.

• Atham

The first day begins with cleaning the home. The first layer of the Pookalam (flower rangoli) is laid with yellow flowers, representing purity and new beginnings.

• Chithira to Uthradam

From the 2nd to the 9th day, a new layer is added to the Pookalam. It grows, just like our inner light. People buy new clothes, cook special dishes, and start preparing for the arrival of King Mahabali. There is joy, togetherness, and reverence in the air.

• Thiruvonam

The grand day. The day Mahabali is believed to arrive. Families wear traditional attire, Kasavu Sarees, and Mundu. Onam Sadya, a meal with up to 26 dishes, is served on a banana leaf, which signifies love and gratitude.

Cultural Celebrations

Onam is not just spiritual; it’s vibrant, colourful, and full of life.

• Pulikali (Tiger Dance)

Artists paint themselves as tigers and hunters, symbolizing the wild, playful, yet disciplined side of Mahabali’s kingdom.

• Kaikottikali

Women in gold and white sarees perform a graceful dance in circular patterns , offering beauty and rhythm to the returning King.

• Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races)

Kerala’s rivers come alive as long boats race across the water, and their synchronized paddling is like a heartbeat, which is a symbol of unity, teamwork, and flow.

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How To Celebrate Onam Festival

Even if you're not from Kerala or live far from tradition, you can still invite Mahabali into your life.

• Light a lamp with pure intention.

• Create a small Pookalam near your doorway.

• Wear white or golden yellow, colours of purity.

• Cook or share a simple vegetarian thali (plate or tray).

• Meditate and thank your ancestors.

You can also perform remedies on this auspicious day. Consult an astrologer online from Astroyogi for personalized and accurate remedies. Call or Chat now!

Summary

Onam is the festival of King Mahabali’s return, celebrating dharma, humility, and joy. The King doesn’t need a throne; he only needs a heart that remembers. So spread love and charm around you and seek the blessings of Lord Vamana.