Onam 2025: When is Thiruvonam? Significance, Rituals, and Timings

Onam, the vibrant and culturally significant harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm across South India, particularly in Kerala. Spanning 10 days, this festival marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season, bringing families and communities together in a spirit of unity and joy. The festival, rooted in Hindu mythology, commemorates the annual return of the legendary King Mahabali and the appearance of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar. In 2025, Onam began on August 26 with Atham and will culminate with Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day, on September 5. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Thiruvonam 2025, including its date, significance, rituals, and key timings, ensuring you’re well-prepared to celebrate this cherished festival with your loved ones.

When is Thiruvonam 2025?

Thiruvonam, the grand finale of the 10-day Onam festival, will be celebrated on September 5, 2025. According to the Malayalam solar calendar, Onam is observed in the month of Chingam, which corresponds to August–September in the Gregorian calendar. The festival aligns with the Shravana Nakshatra (also known as Thiruvonam Nakshatra in Kerala), and Thiruvonam is the day when this star is dominant. As per Drik Panchang, the Thiruvonam Nakshatram will begin at 11:44 PM on September 4, 2025, and end at 11:38 PM on September 5, 2025. This day is considered the pinnacle of Onam celebrations, marked by elaborate feasts, vibrant decorations, and heartfelt rituals to welcome King Mahabali back to his beloved land.

Significance of Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam holds profound cultural and spiritual significance in Kerala, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and the enduring bond between King Mahabali and his people. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was a benevolent demon king whose reign was considered a golden era of peace, equality, and abundance in Kerala. His growing popularity, however, alarmed the gods, who sought Lord Vishnu’s intervention. Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar—a dwarf Brahmin—tricked Mahabali into granting three paces of land. Vamana then expanded to a cosmic size, covering the earth and heavens in two steps and sending Mahabali to the netherworld with the third. Moved by Mahabali’s devotion and generosity, Vishnu granted him the boon to visit his people annually. Thiruvonam is believed to be the day when Mahabali returns, and Keralites celebrate with joy, feasts, and rituals to honor their beloved king. The festival also marks the harvest season, celebrating nature’s bounty and fostering community spirit across all religions and castes in Kerala.

Key Rituals of Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam is marked by a series of vibrant and meaningful rituals that reflect Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. These rituals are designed to welcome King Mahabali and celebrate the prosperity of the harvest season. Here are the key rituals observed on this auspicious day:

Pookalam (Floral Rangoli)

One of the most iconic rituals of Onam is the creation of Pookalam, intricate floral designs made with fresh flowers like marigolds, jasmine, and hibiscus. On Thiruvonam, the Pookalam reaches its most elaborate form, often featuring multiple layers and vibrant colors. Families place a clay idol of Thrikkakara Appan (representing Lord Vamana) or Onathappan (King Mahabali) at the center of the Pookalam, symbolizing the king’s arrival. The floral carpet is drawn on a ‘Peetham’ (platform) with a plantain leaf and a ‘kalam’ made of rice batter, adding a sacred touch to the decoration.

Onam Sadya (Grand Feast)

The Onam Sadya, a lavish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, is the heart of Thiruvonam celebrations. Featuring 12 to 64 dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, rasam, and payasam, the Sadya is a culinary celebration of Kerala’s flavors. On Thiruvonam, families gather to share this feast, which symbolizes abundance, unity, and gratitude. The preparation of the Sadya is a communal effort, with each dish carefully placed on the banana leaf in a traditional order, enhancing both the visual and gastronomic experience.

Traditional Attire and Almsgiving

On Thiruvonam, people wake up early, clean their homes, and take a bath before donning traditional attire—kasavu sarees for women and mundus for men. This practice, known as Onakkodi, signifies renewal and festivity. Families also distribute alms to the poor, reflecting the values of generosity and equality associated with King Mahabali’s reign. The act of giving is a way to honor the king’s legacy of compassion and fairness.

Cultural Performances

Thiruvonam is enlivened by traditional performances such as Thiruvathira Kali, a graceful dance performed by women, and Pulikali, a vibrant tiger dance where performers paint their bodies to resemble tigers. Vallam Kali, the iconic snake boat race, is another highlight, showcasing teamwork and Kerala’s backwater heritage. These performances, often accompanied by folk music and caparisoned elephants, create a festive atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists.

Important Timings for Thiruvonam 2025

To ensure your Thiruvonam celebrations align with auspicious timings, here are the key moments for September 5, 2025, as per Drik Panchang:

- Thiruvonam Nakshatram Starts: September 4, 2025, at 11:44 PM
- Thiruvonam Nakshatram Ends: September 5, 2025, at 11:38 PM
- Sunrise: 6:01 AM
- Sunset: 6:38 PM
- Moonrise: 5:16 PM
- Brahma Muhurta: 4:30 AM to 5:16 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta: 11:54 AM to 12:45 PM
- Nishita Muhurta: 11:57 PM to 12:43 AM (September 6)

These timings are crucial for performing rituals like puja and setting up the Pookalam, as they align with auspicious periods for spiritual activities. The Brahma Muhurta, for instance, is ideal for prayers and meditation, while the Abhijit Muhurta is considered favorable for initiating new tasks. Planning your Thiruvonam activities around these timings can enhance the spiritual and cultural significance of your celebrations.

Why Onam 2025 is Special

Onam 2025 is particularly special as Thiruvonam falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend that allows families to reunite and celebrate with greater fervor. The festival’s secular nature ensures participation from all communities, making it a unifying event that transcends religious boundaries. The extended celebrations, starting from Atham on August 26, include vibrant processions like Athachamayam in Thripunithura and boat races in Alappuzha, drawing tourists from across the globe. Onam’s blend of mythology, nature, and culture makes it a unique festival, and in 2025, the alignment of Thiruvonam with a long weekend promises even grander celebrations, with homes adorned with Pookalams, temples resonating with prayers, and communities coming together for the iconic Sadya.