Why Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival?
Onam is one of the most vibrant and popular festivals of South India. It is celebrated not only in Kerala with much fervour and enthusiasm, but also by Malayalis residing anywhere in the world. It is considered the biggest festival of the state, celebrating the harvest season and the arrival of the much-loved mythological King Mahabali.
Cultural, Religious, and Social Relevance
The ten-day Onam celebrations are culturally, religiously and socially relevant. People come together to take part in the festivities, traditions and various cultural events. From enjoying the grand feast to decorating the entrance of homes with stunning floral designs to watching the thrilling boat races, Onam is a festival that highlights heritage and social bonhomie. Onam this year is celebrated from 26th August to 5th September, with the last day of the celebrations being the most important.
Onam 2025 Key Details
| Onam Festival | Details |
|---|---|
| Onam Start | August 26, 2025 – Atham or First Day |
| Onam End | September 5, 2025 – Thiruvonam or Last Day |
| Thiruvonam Nakshatram Begins | September 4, 2025 at 11:44 PM |
| Thiruvonam Nakshatram Ends | September 5, 2025 at 11:38 PM |
History of Onam Festival
Story of King Mahabali and Vamana’s boon
Onam is a harvest festival that celebrates abundance and bountiness. Celebrated at the end of the monsoon season, in the month of Chingam, Onam is fundamentally an agrarian festival. Also, the timing of the festival coincides with the harvest or agricultural cycle of the state. It is a manifestation of gratitude for nature’s bounties. The floral designs or pookalams and the grand feast are an expression of thankfulness for the produce.
Rooted in Agrarian traditions of Kerala
However, it also has a mythological history. According to folklore, King Mahabali was a benevolent, kind and powerful king in Kerala. So much was his generosity and popularity that celestial gods were intimidated by him. They asked Lord Vishnu to help, who, in turn, appeared in front of the King as a dwarf Brahmin or Vamana.
Blend of Hindu Mythology and Kerala’s cultural ethos
Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana, asked the King for three feet of land. The King, who was known for his virtue, readily agreed and granted the request. Vamana, then, suddenly grew in size and covered the earth and heavens with one foot each. King Mahabali offered his head for Vamana to place the third foot. Lord Vishnu was impressed by the King, and though he was sent to the netherworld or Patal Lok, he was given a boon to return to his kingdom every once in a year. Onam is a celebration of the yearly homecoming of Lord Mahabali.
Onam is hence a blend of Hindu mythology and the cultural ethos of Kerala. On one hand, the traditions and social rituals reflect the culture of the state. On the other hand, the significance and meaning of the festival have roots in Hindu mythology.
Significance of the Onam Festival
Symbol of unity, prosperity, and equality
The significance of Onam lies in the way it brings together people from all backgrounds under its fold. It is a festival that the people of the state celebrate with happiness and excitement, regardless of their religion, gender, caste, or class. In fact, Malayalis residing in other states or other countries also celebrate the rituals and traditions of Onam.
National festival of Kerala (celebrated across communities)
Being the official and state festival of Kerala, Onam is celebrated across all communities. It is also a celebration of the heritage and culture of the state. The ten-day festival showcases a variety of events that help boost tourism. Some of these include the Snake Boat Races, Pulikali or Tiger Dance, Kaikottikale Dance and more.
Tourism and cultural showcase for global visitors
The Special Onam Week organised by the Kerala government features various performances on dance, music and traditional arts that are held across the state. Similarly, games and martial arts shows are also organised during the celebrations. Tourists can watch these to appreciate the culture of the land.
How Kerala Celebrates Onam – A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Welcoming King Mahabali
The first thing that is done at the start of the festival is to clean homes and bring in positive energy. The clutter is cleared, and the home is made ready for welcoming King Mahabali. On the first day of Onam, known as Atham, the day begins with a prayer.
2. Pookalam
After cleaning and readying the home, the next step is the creation of pookalam or floral rangolis at the entrance of the house. The fresh flowers welcome King Mahabali, and over the ten days of celebrations, the pookalam is made bigger by adding more flowers.
3. The Snake Boat Race or Vallam Kali
The race is usually organised on the fifth day of the festival and is the postcard sport during the Oman celebrations. Narrow, long boats, manned by many rowers, race through the splendid backwaters of the state, as audiences cheer the rhythmically quick movement of the boats. The synchronised rowing is all about teamwork, hard work and the unity of the rowers. Tourists often visit the popular races, such as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey and the Aranmula Boat Race in Aranmula.
4. Temples and Rituals
Through the festival days, devotees visit temples and attend prayers. Some also place small models of Mahabali and Vamana in the centre of the pookalam for prayers and worship.
5. The Onasadya or Grand Feast
A sumptuous meal prepared and served on a banana leaf is one of the main highlights of Onam. The Onasadya meal comprises about 25 traditional dishes of the state, such as avial, sambhar, payasam and many more. Families sit together to enjoy the feast and share memories of banter, laughter and togetherness.
6. Pulikali or Tiger Dance
This dance form is one of the most enjoyable and lively celebrations during Onam. Pulikali is a traditional and folk art of the state, where artists paint their bodies as tigers and dance to the music of drums. The entertaining performance is full of energy and strength.
7. Kaikottikali, or the Dance of Unity
This dance, also known as Thiruvathira, is performed by the women of Kerala. Dressed in traditional attire, they dance elegantly in a circle to the rhythm and beats of the song. The dance pays respect to the bounty of harvest and the feminine grace.
Cultural Programs and Processions – During the ten-day celebrations, several parades, programs and events are held all over the state. They bring to the forefront the culture, heritage and artistry of the land.
Final Thoughts
Onam is not just about celebrating the harvest of the region. But it is also a vibrant cultural celebration that proudly showcases and highlights the identity of Kerala. The festival has its roots in tradition and mythology, yet it unites all communities in its festivities and celebrations.
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