When is Onam in 2025 ? Thiruvonam Date and Nakashtra

Posted On: February 26, 2025

Onam Festival 2025 Information (When is Onam in 2025 ? Thiruvonam Date and Nakashtra)

Onam is the festival of harvest for Malayalis. It is a very important festival in the state of Kerala. Based on the Panchangam Hindu Calendar, this festival falls in the Chingam month of the Malayali calendar, on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam (Shravana). This time usually coincides with the months of August-September.

History of the Festival

Several documentations have been made about the Onam festival in different literary texts and pieces. The ancient Tamil poem Maturaikanchi, one of the most significant poems of Sangam literature, has one of the earliest references to the festival. It mentions that people would go to Madurai temples to celebrate Onam, they would make offerings to the Gods, duels & games would be held in the temple premises, people would wear new clothes and have good food.

Another European memoir from the 16th century mentions Onam to be the festival celebrated in September when Malayali people decorate their homes with flowers and daub cow dung over them as it is considered auspicious.

Legend of Onam Festival

Legend has it that the Onam festival is celebrated to remember the kind-hearted and benevolent King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala during the festivities.

Mahabali was a demon ruler who had defeated the Gods and ruled over the three worlds. Facing defeat, the Gods went to Lord Vishnu for help. However, he didn’t agree to join the war against Mahabali because he was a virtuous king and a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Mahabali decided to perform a Yagna after his victory when he will grant anyone’s wish. That is when Vishnu, in the reincarnation of Vamana, a Brahmana boy, approached Mahabali. He wanted only three paces of land, and his wish was granted. But, in the first two paces, Vamana grew enormous. For the third pace, Mahabali surrendered his head.

Significance of Onam Festival

Touched by the humility of the demon king, Lord Vishnu gave back his kingdoms and gave him the boon that he can always come back to visit his land once every year. It is during this time that the Onam festival is celebrated, to mark the stay of the kind and humble king Mahabali.

Onam is the harvest festival of Malayalis, and they celebrate this day with many events filled with pomp and grandeur. It is one of their three main Hindu festivals, along with Vishu and Thiruvathira. It is also New Year’s Day for Malayalis.

How Onam Is Celebrated ?

Onam is a fantastic manifestation of the Keralite culture through festivities and celebrations. Some of the main attractions of Onam includes

boat races or Vallam Kali
tiger dances or Pulikali
worshipping Onathappan, who was God Vishnu’s Vamana incarnation
flower Rangoli or Pookkalam
Kummattikali or mask dance
Thumbi Thallu, a form of women’s dance
Onathallu, a form of martial arts.
Preparing Onam Sadya, a huge course of food to honor King Mahabali.

It is the New Year for Malayalis, so they dress up in good clothes and feast. They decorate their homes with lights and flowers and install an image of Onathappan for worship. They also visit temples and take part in all the cultural events and functions.

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