Onam 2025: Kerala’s Grand Harvest Festival Unites Tradition, Culture, and Community

Onam 2025 is underway in Kerala, marking the state’s most vibrant and unifying harvest festival from August 26 to September 5, with the main day, Thiruvonam, celebrated on September 5. This ten-day festival honors the legendary King Mahabali with rich cultural rituals, spectacular events, and heartfelt community gatherings.

The festival kicks off on Atham, August 26, with the tradition of creating intricate Pookkalam (floral rangoli) decorations, which grow more elaborate each day until Thiruvonam. Key festival highlights include the famous Vallamkali (snake boat race) on Anizham day, the Pulikali tiger dance, and the grand Onam Sadya—a lavish multi-course feast served on banana leaves.

This year, Kerala Tourism has organized celebrations starting September 3 with a state-level inaugural event in Thiruvananthapuram, culminating in a colorful and spirited procession on September 9. Prominent figures including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas are spearheading the coordination efforts to ensure seamless festivities. The city will be adorned with elaborate lighting and decorations, turning major routes such as Kowdiar to Manacaud into festival zones.

Besides local celebrations, the Kerala Association of Greater Washington will host the KAGW Thiranottam 2025 on September 13, marking their 50th Onam celebration with a cultural extravaganza featuring classical performances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, Pookkalam competitions, an arts and crafts festival, and a traditional Onam feast. This event fosters community pride among Malayalis and friends worldwide.

Onam stands as a significant cultural marker, symbolizing unity and prosperity. The ten days represent a progressive buildup of festivities starting with home decoration and shopping, moving through sports and cultural events, and climaxing in the remembrance of King Mahabali’s homecoming. The festival transcends religious lines, embraced by all communities across Kerala and beyond, emphasizing harmony, heritage, and harvest celebrations.

Travelers and locals alike are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors, tastes, sounds, and traditions during Onam, making it the ideal moment to experience Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry firsthand. With hundreds of thousands visiting and participating, Onam 2025 continues to shine as Kerala’s most cherished celebration of the year.