Last Updated:
Onam 2025 starts on Atham Day, August 26, with 10 days of vibrant culture, Pookalam, feasts, and traditions honoring King Mahabali across Kerala and beyond.
Onam 2025: Atham Day festivities showcase Kerala’s rich culture. (Image: Shutterstock)
Onam 2025 In Kerala: Onam, Kerala’s iconic harvest festival, begins on August 26, 2025, with Atham Day marking the start of the 10-day celebrations. Observed in the Malayalam month of Chingam, Onam is renowned for its cultural heritage, majestic rituals and community gatherings that bring families together. This year, Onam will be celebrated from August 26 to September 5, spreading festive cheer across Kerala and among Malayali communities around the world.
ALSO READ: When Is Onam 2025? Thiruvonam Start And End Dates – All About The 10-Day Festival Of King Mahabali In Kerala
Recommended Stories
Onam also honours King Mahabali, the mythological ruler famed for his generosity and the prosperity he brought to his people. Onam is not only a harvest celebration but also a reflection of harmony, happiness, and Kerala’s cultural diversity.
The celebrations feature a blend of devotion, entertainment and tradition, from the grand Onasadya feast and Pookalam flower arrangements to the Vallamkali boat races.
Atham Day: Beginning Of Onam Celebrations
Atham Day marks the official start of Onam, beginning with the grand Athachamayam procession at the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple in Kochi. The day also symbolises the preparation for the mythical King Mahabali’s annual homecoming.
On Atham Day, the Pookalam is laid with a single layer called Athapoo, which is gradually built upon in the following days. This tradition represents growth, prosperity and the anticipation of the king’s visit.
Cultural Games And Traditions
Onam is also a festival of lively games and cultural activities, known collectively as Onakalikal. Across Kerala, people participate in traditional games like Thala Panthu Kali, archery competitions such as Ambeyyal and the spectacular Vallamkali boat race, where dozens of boats paddle in perfect synchrony. Women perform folk dances in honour of King Mahabali, while decorated elephants add grandeur to processions.
Onam Attire And Home Decorations
Families actively decorate their homes, creating beautiful flower carpets, starting with the Athapookalam on Atham Day and adding layers each subsequent day.
Wearing new clothes, known as Onakkodi, and preparing special worship trays are other important practices. These customs not only honour tradition but also emphasise the joy of coming together as a family during the festival.
Onasadya And Festive Feasts
The highlight of Onam is the Onasadya, a lavish feast served on banana leaves. Preparations begin on Atham Day itself, culminating on Thiruvonam, the main day of the festival, when families enjoy a multi-course meal that can range from nine to 30 dishes. Traditional delicacies like rasam, sambar and payasam fill the table, symbolising prosperity and hospitality.
Atham Day 2025 sets the tone for the rest of the Onam celebrations, reflecting the cultural pride, devotion and generosity associated with King Mahabali. The festival continues with joy, harmony and colourful traditions, making Onam a cherished occasion for people of all ages.
About the Author
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te…Read More
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te… Read More
- Location :
Kochi [Cochin], India, India
Loading comments…
Go to Source
Author: News18
 "Manchester United all set to sign new goalkeeper as negotiations near completion")
