Onam is one of the several festivals in the Indian State of Kerala, and it is among the most colourful celebrations in Kerala. An annual harvest festival celebrated over ten days, Onam has immense cultural, historical and spiritual significance. But why is Onam celebrated? When does Onam take place, and how do Onam celebrations differ for Malayalis around the globe? 

Let us look into the roots of this colourful festival, and how you can celebrate Onam at home and also wish your loved ones the most beautiful Onam wishes in Malayalam.

Why is Onam Celebrated?

Onam celebrates a mythological story. The festival is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, an Asura king who once ruled Kerala. King Mahabali was a generous and noble king, whose reign was praised as the Golden Age, full of equality, prosperity, and happiness.  However, Mahabali was so popular that the gods enlisted Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali's influence.

As per the legend, Lord Vishnu assumed the guise of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and disrupted Mahabali's yagna (sacrificial ritual). Vamana requested Mahabali, as a gift, three paces of land. Mahabali, being a generous king, agreed to Vamana's request. At that point, Vamana grew to enormous size and placed his feet down, covering the earth and the heavens with two steps. For Vamana's third step, King Mahabali offered Vamana his own head, demonstrating the ultimate act of humility and adoration.

Impressed with Mahabali's selflessness, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali permission to visit his people once every year. All over Kerala, Keralites eagerly celebrate the annual visit of their beloved King Mahabali every year by rejoicing together, which is what Onam is, and celebrating it with festivity and gratitude.

When is Onam?

Onam is celebrated in Chingam (August to September) and lasts for ten days. The most important day is called Thiruvonam, which is considered the climax of onward celebrations. In 2025, it will fall on September 5th. Participants would have been preparing for the festival dates starting August 26, and the celebrations will last till September 5. 

The festival includes colourful cultural rituals and traditions. This year is no different then the past. 

How can Onam be done at home?

How to celebrate Onam at home? Celebrating Onam at home can be just as fun and meaningful as being in Kerala. Here are steps to celebrate with family and friends:

1. Pookalam (Floral Rangoli)

The festival starts by making the Pookalam or floral arrangement by taking petals and creating beautiful floral patterns on the floor. A new layer of flower petals will be added in the coming days, and the countdown to Mahabali's (the king during Onam) arrival is in its final days. 

2. Onasadya (the grand feast)

You can't have an Onam without the grand feast known as Onasadya. It will have between 26 and 30 dishes and will be served on banana leaves. The dishes like avial, sambar, olan, thoran, and finally payasam (sweet dessert) are the life and soul of the celebration.

3. Costumes

The women wear Kasavu saree while the gentleman wears a mundu (similar to a dhoti). It is acceptable for the children to wear the same traditional attire to make the celebration more pleasant when they celebrate at home.

4. Cultural Celebrations

Many families organise traditional dancing performances such as Thiruvathira, as well as musical performances such as Pulikali (the tiger dance). Some even share and broadcast their performances - virtually - over video calls and social media.

5. Decorations and lighting

Like Diwali, Onam involves lighting up the homes with lights, lamps, and traditions, which again symbolise positivity, warmth, and good wishes while welcoming King Mahabali home. 

Onam Status & Wishes for Social Media

People who think about how to wish Onam in Malayalam ​look for Onam Status updates on social media while Onam is in full swing for ten days. They enjoy sharing the festival through status updates on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Feel free to use any of the following ideas if you need some Onam Status inspiration! 

Happy Onam! May the festival of Onam spread the spirit of peace, prosperity, and happiness in your home.

• Wishing you all a colourful Pookalam, the tastiest Sadya, and the joy of Onam. 

• Let’s all welcome our beloved King Mahabali with arms wide open and homes wide open. Happy Onam 2025!

• May your life be as colourful as the Pookalam and as sweet as Payasam this Onam!

These Onam greetings in both English and Malayalam are suitable for sharing the festive vibe worldwide.

The Ten Days of Onam

Each day of Onam has a name and purpose:

- Atham - The first day when the Pookalam starts.

- Chithira - More layers of flowers are added.

- Chodhi - Shopping and home decor begins.

- Vishakam - Preparation begins for ingredients for the Sadya.

- Anizham - Boat race excitement and prep are heightened.

- Thriketa - Family gathering and festival spirit begins.

- Moolam - Cultural acts begin.

- Pooradam - Idols of Mahabali and Vamana are placed at homes.

-Uthradom - The day before Onam; King Mahabali is coming to Kerala.

-Thiruvonam - The main day of Sadya, pooja, and celebration. 

Onam Beyond Kerala

While Onam is a festival originating from Kerala, the essence of Onam has spread worldwide due to the non-resident Malayali community. The UAE, USA, UK, Australia, and Singapore have all had celebrations for Onam, including Pookalam competitions, Onasadya events, and cultural showcasing, completing the feeling and embracing emotion associated with Onam. 

The Meaning Of Onam to Learn From

In life, particularly in the fast-moving pace of modern times, Onam signifies that we should appreciate humility, community, sharing, and joy. Onam is truly universal in that it crosses religious and social boundaries, as even non-Malayalis participate in the celebrations the same way.

As a harvest festival, it also emphasises the importance of respecting nature and gratitude for abundance. The ten days of Onam allow families to reflect on traditions, indulge in nostalgia, and create new memories. 

Conclusion

Wherever you are—even if you are in Kerala or thousands of miles away, Onam is an occasion to celebrate love, light, and community. You may make a beautiful Pookalam for your doorstep, prepare a Sadya with love, or just simply update your Onam status with special Onam wishes in Malayalam – it doesn't take much! If you are thinking to yourself, "Is it possible to celebrate Onam at home?", remember it is not about the grand preparation, but how sincerely you welcome King Mahabali and honour the values for which he presided over us.

Happy Onam 2025!