Kerala is glowing with colours, joy, and devotion as people celebrate Onam, the state’s most cherished festival. Spanning 10 days, Onam marks the arrival of the harvest season and the retreat of the monsoon rains. It also carries deep cultural and mythological roots, as it is believed to be the time when the noble King Mahabali visits his people. In 2025, Onam celebrations began on August 26 and will reach their grand conclusion with Thiruvonam on September 5, Friday.
The Origin and History of Onam
The roots of Onam lie in Kerala’s rich beliefs. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the festival is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, a just and kind ruler of Kerala. His reign was considered the golden era, symbolising prosperity, equality, and happiness for all.
However, legends say that Mahabali’s growing influence worried the gods. They sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who appeared in his Vamana avatar, a dwarf Brahmin. When Mahabali promised to grant him any wish, Vamana asked for land he could cover in three steps. With divine power, Vamana grew to a cosmic size and covered the entire universe in two steps. For the third, Mahabali offered his head, and Vamana gently pushed him to the netherworld.
Impressed by Mahabali’s humility and devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him permission to visit his subjects once every year. Onam is celebrated to mark this homecoming of Kerala’s beloved king, when people believe he visits to see his land thriving in joy and abundance.
Historically, Onam has been mentioned in Sangam literature (around 800 CE), which refers to the festival as a time of grand feasts and community gatherings. Over centuries, Onam evolved into both a harvest festival and a cultural celebration that unites all communities in Kerala, transcending caste and religion.
A Festival of Flowers, Food, and Festivities
During these ten days, households across Kerala prepare pookalam colourful floral rangoli designs at their doorsteps to welcome prosperity and happiness. The air is filled with festive energy as people participate in traditional dance forms like Thiruvathirakali, melodious songs, boat races such as the famous Vallamkali, and cultural plays that narrate Kerala’s history.
The culinary spread is another highlight of the festival. Families prepare the elaborate Onam Sadhya, a feast served on banana leaves that includes more than 20 dishes from crispy chips and tangy pickles to avial, sambhar, rasam, and the sweet delight of payasam. These flavours bring together communities, neighbours, and families, turning meals into memories.
Also Read: Kerala Assembly Staffer Dies While Dancing at Onam Event
Onam Across the World
Onam is not just limited to Kerala. The festival has travelled far beyond India’s borders, carried by the vibrant Malayali diaspora. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Singapore, and Australia see large-scale Onam events each year.
Community organisations and Malayali associations abroad organise cultural programs, Onam Sadhya feasts, traditional music and dance performances, and even recreate the famous Vallamkali (boat race) in symbolic forms. These gatherings help Keralites living abroad stay connected to their roots and share their culture with local communities.
In places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Onam is celebrated with great grandeur, often featuring celebrity performances and cultural competitions. In Western countries, Malayali families come together in community halls or temples, decorating with pookalams, cooking traditional dishes, and teaching younger generations about the legends of King Mahabali.
For many abroad, Onam is not just a festival but a bridge to their homeland, keeping alive the nostalgia of Kerala’s traditions while fostering unity among expatriate communities.
Sharing Wishes and Greetings
Onam is also a time to spread joy through messages and blessings. Families and friends share greetings like:
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“On this joyful day, may your heart and home be filled with life and laughter. Happy Onam.”
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“Onam isn’t just about flowers and feasts, but about sharing smiles and happiness. Happy Onam 2025!”
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“As King Mahabali returns to bless the land, may your days be filled with happiness that doesn’t fade.”
These words highlight the spirit of togetherness that defines the festival.
The Deeper Meaning of Onam
Onam holds both religious and cultural importance in Kerala. It is a thanksgiving festival, celebrating nature’s abundance, while also honouring King Mahabali’s eternal bond with his people. By praying to Lord Vamana and remembering their golden king, people express gratitude, humility, and hope for a prosperous future.
The festival continues to inspire not just Keralites, but everyone who witnesses its splendour reminding them of the power of unity, tradition, and gratitude.
Onam, in essence, is more than a festival. It is a feeling of homecoming, heritage, and harmony celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Kerala and across the world.
Also Read: Onam 2025: Witness These Three Iconic Boat Races in Kerala
