Onam is the biggest and most colourful festival of Kerala. It is celebrated every year to welcome the legendary King Mahabali and to mark the harvest season. Families come together to decorate their homes, prepare the grand Onam Sadya feast, and enjoy cultural programs. Whether you are a Malayali or someone who loves Kerala’s culture, Onam 2025 will surely be a memorable celebration.
Onam 2025 Date and Thiruvonam Timings
This year, Onam 2025 will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5. The most important day, Thiruvonam, falls on Friday, September 5, 2025.
According to Drik Panchang, the Thiruvonam Nakshatram timings are:
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Begins: September 4, 11:44 PM
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Ends: September 5, 11:38 PM
People often search for “Onam 2025 date and time”, and this is when families across Kerala and the world will gather for the grand celebrations.
Rituals and Traditions of Onam Festival
Onam is not just about food, it is also about Kerala’s rich traditions. Some of the popular Onam rituals include:
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Pookalam – Floral decorations at the entrance of homes to welcome King Mahabali.
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Vallamkali – The famous snake boat races held on Kerala’s backwaters.
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Onakkodi – Wearing new traditional clothes during the festival.
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Onam Sadya – A vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with more than 20 dishes.
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Gift exchange and prayers – Families exchange gifts and offer prayers to mark prosperity and happiness.
Significance of Onam Festival in Kerala
Onam is both a harvest festival and a mythological celebration. According to legend, Kerala was ruled by the kind King Mahabali, who was sent to the underworld but allowed to visit his people once a year. Onam marks his annual homecoming.
The festival represents prosperity, unity, and Kerala’s cultural heritage. That is why people celebrate it with pookalams, sadya, traditional dances, and boat races.
Onam Sadya: How to Eat the Feast Like a Local
The Onam Sadya feast is the highlight of the festival. It is served on a banana leaf and eaten with the hand. Here are some quick tips:
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Sit cross-legged on the floor with the banana leaf placed in front of you.
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Food is served in a sequence, starting with pickles, chips, and ending with desserts.
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Mix rice with curries like sambar and rasam before eating.
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Finish your meal completely and fold the banana leaf inwards when done.
This traditional etiquette is followed in every household and is an important part of Onam celebrations in Kerala.
Top 5 Traditional Onam Sadya Dishes to Try in 2025
If you are planning to cook or taste Onam Sadya dishes, here are the top five you must try:
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Avial (Mixed Vegetable Curry) – A thick curry made with mixed vegetables, coconut, green chillies, and curry leaves.
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Sambar – A protein-rich lentil curry with vegetables, tamarind, and spices.
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Pachadi – A sweet and tangy curry made with pineapple, coconut, and curd.
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Thoran – A dry vegetable stir-fry with grated coconut, curry leaves, and chillies.
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Payasam – A sweet rice pudding made with milk, jaggery, and garnished with cashews and raisins.
These dishes are not only delicious but also form the soul of the Onam Sadya menu.
How to Host an Authentic Onam Sadya at Home (Even Outside Kerala)
You can celebrate Onam 2025 at home with a little planning:
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Serve food on banana leaves for authenticity.
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Prepare traditional items like sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam.
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Decorate with Pookalam (floral rangoli).
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Play Kerala folk music to create the festive vibe.
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Encourage everyone to sit on the floor and eat together.
Even if you are outside Kerala, following these customs will help you enjoy a truly authentic Onam celebration.
Onam 2025 is not just a festival; it is an emotion for every Malayali. From snake boat races and Pookalams to the grand Onam Sadya feast, every moment reflects Kerala’s rich culture. Mark your calendars for September 5, 2025 (Thiruvonam day), and get ready to enjoy this beautiful harvest festival with your loved ones.
Whether you are in Kerala or outside, celebrating Onam 2025 with family, food, and traditions will make it truly unforgettable.
