Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration that brings together culture, tradition, and culinary richness. Marked with colorful pookkalams (floral carpets), vibrant boat races, and the grand feast known as Onam Sadya, the festival is one of India’s most cherished events.
As families gear up to welcome King Mahabali, here’s everything you need to know about Onam 2025 — its date, timings, significance, and the must-try dishes from the famous Sadya.
Onam 2025: Date and Time
In 2025, Onam will be celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The main day, Thiruvonam, marks the return of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his people once a year.
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra Begins: 6:20 AM on September 6, 2025
- Thiruvonam Nakshatra Ends: 8:05 AM on September 7, 2025
The celebrations usually last ten days, starting from Atham and culminating in Thiruvonam.
The Significance of Onam
Onam is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage. According to mythology, King Mahabali’s reign was considered the golden era of equality, happiness, and prosperity. The festival is celebrated to honor his annual visit and to keep alive the values he stood for.
Apart from its mythological importance, Onam also symbolizes:
- Harvest Joy: Celebrating the bounty of nature.
- Unity: Families and communities come together for cultural festivities.
- Tradition: Dance, music, games, and feasts preserve Kerala’s rich heritage.
At the heart of Onam lies the Sadya — a lavish vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with a variety of traditional dishes.
Top 5 Traditional Sadya Dishes To Try in 2025
A Sadya can have up to 26–30 dishes, but here are five iconic ones that you absolutely shouldn’t miss this Onam:
1. Avial
A wholesome mix of vegetables like drumsticks, carrots, beans, and ash gourd cooked with coconut, green chilies, and yogurt, Avial is mildly spiced and delicious. It is often regarded as the king of Sadya dishes for its balance of taste and nutrition.
2. Erissery
Prepared with pumpkin and red beans, flavored with coconut paste and tempered with curry leaves, Erissery is a comforting dish with a slightly sweet undertone. It is one of the most cherished delicacies during Onam.
3. Kaalan
A thick, yogurt-based curry made with yam and raw plantain, Kaalan has a unique tangy flavor balanced with ground coconut. Its creamy texture makes it a standout dish in the spread.
4. Olan
A light, coconut milk–based dish cooked with ash gourd and cowpeas, Olan is delicate yet flavorful. It balances the richness of other Sadya dishes with its mild and soothing taste.
5. Payasam (Ada Pradhaman)
No Onam feast is complete without Payasam. Ada Pradhaman, made with rice flakes, jaggery, and coconut milk, is the most iconic dessert of the festival, offering a sweet ending to the grand meal.
Onam 2025 promises to be a festival of joy, tradition, and togetherness. Beyond the mythological significance, it is a time when people celebrate Kerala’s cultural roots and indulge in the much-loved Sadya feast.
So this year, as you lay out the banana leaf and serve Avial, Erissery, Kaalan, Olan, and Ada Pradhaman, remember that Onam is not just about food, but also about love, unity, and the spirit of sharing.