Onam (Atham Begins): A Joyous Start to Kerala’s Grand Festival

When is Onam 2025? Key Dates Starting from Atham

• Atham Date (Onam Begins): Friday, August 29, 2025

• Thiruvonam (Main Day of Onam): Sunday, September 7, 2025

• Onam Festival Duration: 10 Days (Atham to Thiruvonam)

What is Atham? The Beginning of Onam

Atham marks the first day of Onam, setting the festive tone across Kerala and among Malayali communities worldwide. Falling under the Atham nakshatram (star) in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, this day signifies the beginning of the homecoming journey of King Mahabali, the legendary ruler whose annual visit is welcomed with joy.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Atham

Atham holds both cultural reverence and mythological depth. According to legend, King Mahabali was a beloved ruler sent to the netherworld by Vishnu Ji (in Vamana avatar). The gods, moved by his devotion and people’s love, granted him an annual visit to Kerala—commemorated through Onam.

The athan is the spiritual prelude. Houses begin cleaning and decorating, people wear traditional attire, and temples hold special poojas.

Pookkalam: The Flower Carpet Tradition Begins

One of the most iconic elements of Atham is the ‘Pookkalam,’ an intricate floral design laid at the entrance of homes. Each day, new flowers are added, growing in size and complexity until Thiruvonam.

• Athapookkalam starts with minimal design (usually one layer)

• Households use fresh, eco-friendly flowers like Thumba, Thetti, Mukkutti

• Schools, offices, and public spaces also host Pookkalam contests

Onam Sadya Preparations Begin

Although the grand Onam Sadya (a multi-course vegetarian feast) is prepared on Thiruvonam, Atham marks the beginning of planning—cleaning banana leaves, preparing pickles, and sourcing ingredients like avial, sambar, and payasam.

How Kerala Celebrates Atham Today (2025 Update)

In 2025, Atham remains a statewide cultural event, with a special focus in Thripunithura, Kochi. This region is known for the Athachamayam procession, a vibrant cultural parade featuring:

• Kathakali and Theyyam performances

• Traditional art displays

• Chenda melam (drum ensemble)

• Floats depicting Mahabali’s story

Global Celebrations of Onam

From Dubai to London, Onam is celebrated with pride by the Malayali diaspora. Cultural organizations host events featuring:

• Pookkalam contests

• Sadya feasts

• Onam-themed dance/music

• Traditional games like Vallam Kali (boat race) and Uriyadi

Mythological Connection: Vamana Avatar and King Mahabali

While the article briefly mentioned Mahabali’s story, here's a deeper insight:

• King Mahabali was the great-grandson of Prahlada and a devout asura king known for his benevolence.

• The Vamana avatar of Vishnu Ji appeared as a dwarf Brahmin during Mahabali’s yagna.

• Vamana asked for three paces of land—and with cosmic strides, covered earth and heavens. Mahabali offered his head for the third.

• Pleased with his humility, Vishnu granted Mahabali the boon to visit his people once a year, which is commemorated during Onam.

Temple Celebrations and Special Poojas on Atham

• Major temples like Thrikkakara Temple (Ernakulam), considered the spiritual center of Onam, begin a 10-day festival from Atham.

• Devotees offer “Onakkodi” (new clothes) and special prasadam.

• Cultural events and lamp-lighting rituals (Nilavilakku) occur daily, attracting large crowds.

Traditional Attire Worn on Atham

• People start wearing “Kasavu” sarees (white with golden border) and Mundu (for men) from Atham onward.

• The attire symbolizes purity and Kerala’s traditional aesthetics.

• Children often participate in Atham events in traditional wear, performing songs like “Onappattu.”

Traditional Games That Begin with Atham

While many games peak during Thiruvonam, preparations and initial rounds start from Atham:

• Vallam Kali (snake boat race) rehearsals intensify from Atham.

• Pulikali (Tiger Dance) troupes begin organizing costumes and choreography.

• Local communities host competitions like

  • Kuttiyum Kolum (stick game)

  • Uriyadi (pot-breaking game)

  • Thalappanthukali (ball game)

Onam Bazaar & Local Economy During Atham

• Atham kicks off a commercial boom across Kerala:

  • Temporary markets open for flowers, vegetables, banana leaves, and Onam decor.

  • Local artisans and handloom weavers see a surge in demand.

• Tourism-related businesses—hotels, homestays, and houseboats—offer Onam tour packages starting from Atham.

Tech & Digital Celebrations in 2025

• In 2025, many families abroad or far from Kerala begin virtual Onam celebrations as early as Atham via:

  • Online Pookkalam contests

  • Livestreaming Athachamayam

  • AI-generated Onam greetings and video calls

• Several Kerala-based brands also release Onam-themed NFTs and AI artworks to engage younger generations digitally.

Onam in Literature and Media

• Malayalam poetry and folk songs often reference Atham as the symbolic start of a golden era.

• Films like Ulsavapittennu and Mazhavil Kavadi depict the nostalgic charm of Onam starting from Atham.

• In recent years, Onam ads (especially during Atham) highlight social unity, inclusive narratives, and eco-consciousness.

Atham isn't just the beginning of Onam—it's a cultural heartbeat that signals unity, joy, and remembrance. In a world moving fast, Onam brings people back to their roots, reminding us of community, gratitude, and celebration. Whether you're in Kerala or across the world, Atham is a call to reconnect—with tradition, loved ones, and the spirit of Mahabali.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of Atham in Onam?

• Atham is the first day of the 10-day Onam celebration. It marks the spiritual start of King Mahabali’s homecoming and the beginning of Pookkalam decorations.

Q: When is Atham 2025?

• Atham falls on Friday, August 29, 2025, in the Malayalam month of Chingam.

Q: What is Athachamayam?

• Athachamayam is a traditional cultural parade held in Tripunithura to mark the start of Onam, featuring classical art forms, music, and floats.

Q: How long is the Onam festival?

• Onam lasts for 10 days, beginning with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam. Some communities extend it till Chadayam or Avittam.

Q: What are common Onam rituals that begin on Atham?

• Starting the Pookkalam (floral carpet)

• Cleaning homes and temples

• Lighting oil lamps

• Cooking basic Sadya items

• Participating in community events

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