In 2025, Onam (Thiru Onam Day) will be observed on Friday, 5th September. Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, celebrated to welcome the legendary King Mahabali whose spirit is believed to visit Kerala during this time. The festival is known for its colourful traditions, family gatherings, grand feasts (Onasadya), Pookkalam (floral rangoli), Vallamkali (boat races), and traditional dances. While the main celebrations happen in Kerala, Malayali communities across India and abroad also observe Onam with equal enthusiasm. For the year 2025, Onam is listed as a Restricted Holiday in the central government calendar, but interestingly, the same date also coincides with Milad-un-Nabi, which is a Gazetted Holiday nationwide.
📜 Holiday Status
Onam (Thiru Onam Day) is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) in the Government of India calendar. This means employees can opt for leave on this day if their organisation allows restricted holidays. However, in Kerala, Onam is a major public holiday and almost all offices, schools, and institutions remain closed. In 2025, the day is special because it overlaps with Milad-un-Nabi, which is a nationwide Gazetted Holiday. So, across India, government offices and banks will remain closed primarily due to Milad-un-Nabi, while in Kerala the closures also cover Onam festivities.
✨ Significance of Onam
Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, who is remembered as a just and kind ruler. According to legend, his spirit visits Kerala every year during Onam to see his people. The festival is also linked to the harvest season, making it both a cultural and agricultural celebration. Onam reflects the rich traditions of Kerala through its food, music, dance, and games.
🎉 How People Celebrate
The celebrations last for 10 days, with Thiru Onam being the most important day. Families prepare a grand vegetarian feast called Onasadya, served on banana leaves. Beautiful Pookkalams (floral carpets) decorate homes. Traditional dances like Thiruvathira and Pulikali (tiger dance) entertain crowds. Vallamkali (snake boat races) are a major attraction in Kerala during Onam. It is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural pride.
🗓️ Leave Planning
In 2025, Onam falls on Friday, 5th September — the very same day as Milad-un-Nabi. This creates a unique situation: it’s a Gazetted Holiday nationwide for Milad-un-Nabi, and at the same time, a Public Holiday in Kerala for Onam. Effectively, everyone gets a long weekend break, but Malayali families also enjoy the added cultural celebrations of Onam. To see how this weekend connects with other holidays, check our Smart Leave Planner.
🏛️ Daily Life Impact
Here’s how the overlapping holidays affect daily life on 5th September 2025:
| Sector / Service | Status on 5th September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Government Offices (Central) | Closed (Gazetted Holiday for Milad-un-Nabi) |
| Government Offices (Kerala) | Closed (Onam Public Holiday + Milad-un-Nabi GH) |
| Banks | Closed nationwide (Milad-un-Nabi GH) |
| Schools & Colleges | Closed in Kerala (Onam), closed elsewhere for Milad-un-Nabi |
| Stock Market (NSE/BSE) | Open |
| Post Offices | Closed nationwide (Milad-un-Nabi GH) |
| Local Markets/Shops | Open in most places, but many closed in Kerala for Onam |
🌙 Regional Observance
While Onam is primarily celebrated in Kerala, Malayali communities across India and abroad also mark the festival. In 2025, since the date coincides with Milad-un-Nabi, most states outside Kerala will officially observe the day as a Gazetted Holiday, but for a different reason. This rare overlap gives the day a unique place in the holiday calendar.
📖 Interesting Facts
- Onam is the official festival of Kerala.
- Onasadya, the grand feast, usually consists of more than 20–25 dishes.
- Vallamkali (snake boat race) is one of the most famous events during Onam.
- 2025 is special as Onam day coincides with Milad-un-Nabi, giving the holiday both cultural and religious importance.
💌 Onam Wishes
People greet each other with warm wishes during Onam. Here are a few simple greetings:
- Happy Onam to you and your family! May this festival bring prosperity and joy.
- Wishing you a colourful Onam filled with happiness and peace.
- May the spirit of King Mahabali bless your home with love and togetherness. Happy Onam!
- Onam Ashamsakal! Celebrate the festival with family, food, and fun.
❓ FAQs
Q. Is Onam a Gazetted Holiday in 2025?
No, Onam by itself is not a Gazetted Holiday — it is officially listed as a Restricted Holiday. But in 2025, the date of Thiru Onam (5th September) happens to be the same as Milad-un-Nabi, which is a Gazetted Holiday. So practically, central government offices will remain closed across India, but the closure is due to Milad-un-Nabi, not Onam.
Q. Will banks remain closed on Onam 2025?
Banks across India will be closed on 5th September 2025. Again, the reason is Milad-un-Nabi being a Gazetted Holiday. In Kerala, the closure also matches with Onam, so people get a double reason to celebrate.
Q. Will the stock market remain open on 5th September 2025?
Yes, both NSE and BSE will remain open on that day.
Q. How long is the Onam festival celebrated?
Onam is celebrated over 10 days in Kerala, starting with Atham and ending with Thiru Onam Day. The main day in 2025 is 5th September, but festivities continue throughout the season with Pookkalam, Onasadya, Vallamkali and cultural programmes.