Onam 2025, also known as Atham, marks the beginning of Kerala’s most celebrated and culturally rich festival. In 2025, Atham falls on August 26 (Tuesady), ushering in ten days of vibrant festivities leading up to Thiruvonam on September 5 (Firday). Observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam, Atham sets the tone for the Onam festival with traditional rituals, floral decorations, and joyous celebrations across the state. Homes are cleaned and adorned with intricate floral arrangements called Pookalam, symbolizing prosperity and joy, while families begin preparations for the grand cultural and spiritual celebrations that follow.
This harvest festival is more than just a cultural observance—it is a symbol of Kerala's heritage, spiritual beliefs, and community unity. On Atham 2025, people across Kerala will immerse themselves in traditional rituals, grand feasts, floral decorations, and religious offerings that mark the essence of Onam.
Onam Festival Information
Topic
| Information
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Date
| August 26 to 5 September 2025
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Festival Name
| Onam
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Meaning of Onam
| To commemorate Vamana, the fifth avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and the generous yet egotistical daitya king Mahabali.
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Cultural Significance
| Onam celebrates the return of the Asura King Mahabali from the netherworld.
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Duration
| 10 Days
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Rituals
| It features boat races, traditional dances, Rangoli, delectable cuisine, and customary attire. Women create intricate floral patterns known as Pookkalam, while men showcase the Pulikali art form.
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Regions Celebrated
| Kerala and neighboring parts of South India
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Why Is Onam Celebrated?
The significance of Onam lies in its deep-rooted mythology and cultural symbolism. The festival celebrates the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a golden era of peace, prosperity, and equality. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that King Mahabali visits his beloved people of Kerala once every year during Onam. The joy and festivity reflect the happiness of his subjects in welcoming their generous king.
Atham: The First Day of Onam 2025
The first day of Onam 2025, known as Atham, is immensely important as it marks the official commencement of the festival. It symbolizes the beginning of preparations for Thiruvonam, the most significant day in the Onam calendar. Homes are cleaned, rituals are performed, and festive moods begin to rise across towns and villages.
Pookalam – The Floral Carpet of Prosperity
One of the most famous Onam traditions is the creation of Pookalam, a vibrant and intricate floral design laid at the entrance of homes. On Atham 2025, families will start designing their Pookalam with a simple pattern that grows more elaborate over the following ten days. The flowers used—like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and hibiscus—add color and symbolism, representing prosperity and joy.
Rituals and Traditions of Onam 2025
Here’s how people in Kerala observe Atham and begin the celebrations of Onam festival 2025:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes
The day begins with thoroughly cleaning the house, symbolizing the removal of negativity and inviting auspiciousness. The entrance is then adorned with Pookalam, believed to welcome King Mahabali.
- Special Prayers and Temple Visits
Devotees often visit nearby temples or perform pujas at home, offering prayers for happiness, good health, and prosperity during Onam 2025. This spiritual start is integral to the festival's tradition.
- Wearing Traditional Attire
On Atham, people wear traditional Kerala attire to embrace their cultural identity. Women dress in Kerala sarees (Mundu or Set Saree), while men wear the Kerala dhoti (Veshti), making the celebrations visually rich and authentic.
- Grand Feasting
The first of many feasts during Onam begins on Atham day. Families cook and serve a variety of Onam special dishes like Avial, Pulissery, Thoran, Erissery, and Payasam—a sweet pudding made of rice, jaggery, and coconut milk. These dishes are part of the iconic Onam Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves.
Athachamayam: A Royal Start to Onam Celebrations
One of the major highlights of Atham 2025 will be the Athachamayam procession held in Tripunithura, near Kochi. This grand cultural parade features decorated elephants, traditional music, dance performances, folk art, and floats. It’s a visual treat and an important local event that showcases the cultural richness of Kerala’s Onam celebration.
Onam as a Harvest Festival
Onam festival 2025 also celebrates the harvest season in Kerala. Farmers rejoice as they begin reaping the fruits of their labor. The arrival of Atham signifies gratitude for nature’s abundance and prayers for continued prosperity in the coming year. It is one of India’s most important harvest festivals, deeply intertwined with agrarian traditions.
Onam as a Unity and Social Harmony
Onam is unique because it transcends religion, caste, and creed, bringing together people of all backgrounds. During Onam 2025 celebrations, communities will come together to participate in feasts, cultural performances, and games like Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), and tug-of-war competitions. This sense of togetherness reflects the inclusive spirit of Onam festival in Kerala.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Onam 2025
While Onam is a secular celebration, it carries deep spiritual significance for Hindus in Kerala. The homecoming of King Mahabali is seen as a reminder of dharma (righteousness), humility, and generosity. It is also a time when Keralites reflect on their roots and celebrate their cultural identity.
In Conclusion, As Onam 2025 approaches, the excitement and spiritual fervor will be felt throughout Kerala and by Malayalis across the globe. From the symbolic Pookalam to the spectacular Athachamayam, from heartfelt prayers to the irresistible Onam Sadya, every element of Atham 2025 adds depth to the larger Onam celebration.
The festival is more than tradition—it is a living, breathing tribute to Kerala’s values of equality, harmony, and abundance. Onam 2025 is not just a festival; it is an emotion that resonates across time, uniting generations in joy and celebration.