India (Commonwealth Union)_ Kerala is celebrating Onam 2025 with immense joy as Keralites all over the world get ready to welcome their favorite king, Mahabali. Onam is a ten-day harvest festival with profound cultural and mythical bases in Kerala tradition. The celebration began on August 26 with Atham and ended on September 5 with Thiruvonam. On this day, people pay homage to the king’s glorious return. However, Onam is more than just a celebration. It is a time when families get together, homes are decorated with bright flower arrangements known as Pookalams, and traditional feasts known as Onam Sadya are meticulously prepared. These lavish vegetarian lunches, served on banana leaves, feature more than 20 dishes, ranging from fiery curries to sweet payasams.
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The celebration also showcases Kerala’s extensive cultural tradition. There are many colorful classical dances like Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, and Pulikali, where dancers dress up as tigers and dance in the open. Additionally, Vallamkali (also known as snakeboat races) in the quiet backwaters of Kerala are very famous in India. Vallamkali are large-scale competitions that attract crowds and display teamwork and tradition.
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Onam is based on the myth of King Mahabali, a historic Hindu king with a lifestyle characterized by wisdom, generosity, and fairness. The stories tell us that the gods became concerned over Mahabali’s growing popularity, and so they requested Lord Vishnu to intercede. Vishnu appeared in disguise as a dwarf named Vamana and, based on a clever request, undertook Mahabali’s journey into the underworld. His dedication moved Vishnu, who granted him a single wish: to visit his people once a year. Onam celebrates that visit.
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While Onam is most often observed in Kerala, Malayali groups throughout India and abroad also celebrate the holiday. Wherever there are cultural activities, public meetings, and communal spirit, people are happy. Onam has been embraced as a global cultural spectacle with the help of Kerala Tourism, even with international cultural tourists who fly in to experience this one-time festival.
