Onam Festival Essay Examples: 100, 300, 500 Words for Practice
Table of Content
Onam is one of the most important and vibrant festivals celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. Marked as a harvest celebration and as a tribute to King Mahabali, Onam reflects Kerala's cultural richness, unity, and enduring traditions. In 2025, the main day of Onam, known as Thiruvonam, will be celebrated on 5th September 2025, according to the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam (August–September).
Vedantu provides students with well-structured essays on Onam Festival in different formats: a 100-word essay, a 150-word essay, a 300-word essay, and a 10-line essay. These essays will help learners of different classes prepare for school assignments, writing competitions and exam answers while also gaining a clear understanding of the history, traditions and significance of Onam.
Also Check for: Onam 2025: History, Significance, and How Kerala Celebrates
100-Word Essay on Onam Festival
Onam is Kerala’s biggest harvest festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, usually in August or September. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a noble ruler loved by his people. The ten-day festival begins with Atham and ends with Thiruvonam, the main day of celebration. People decorate their homes with Pookalam, prepare the grand Onasadya feast, and enjoy Vallamkali, the famous snake boat race. Dances like Thiruvathira and Pulikali add colour to the celebrations. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from 26 August to 5 September, spreading joy, unity, and cultural pride across Kerala.
150-Word Essay on Onam Festival
Onam is one of the most important festivals of Kerala, celebrated with immense happiness and cultural pride. It takes place in the Malayalam month of Chingam, usually between August and September. The festival commemorates the return of the beloved King Mahabali, who is remembered for his generosity and just rule. According to legend, Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar granted Mahabali permission to visit his people once every year, and this occasion is celebrated as Onam.
The ten-day festival is marked with several traditions. Homes are decorated with Pookalam, intricate floral designs that grow larger each day. Families come together to enjoy Onasadya, the grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Boat races, dances, music, and games create a lively atmosphere. In 2025, Onam begins on 26 August and ends with Thiruvonam on 5 September. It is a festival that symbolizes unity, prosperity, and Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
300-Word Essay on Onam Festival
Onam is Kerala’s state festival and one of the most widely celebrated cultural events in India. It is a harvest festival that takes place in the Malayalam month of Chingam, generally falling between August and September. Onam is deeply connected to the legend of King Mahabali, a ruler who was loved by his people for his fairness, generosity, and devotion to his kingdom. When Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, asked Mahabali for three paces of land, the king humbly offered his head for the final step. As a reward for his devotion, he was blessed to return once a year to visit his people.
The ten-day celebrations of Onam reflect Kerala’s cultural richness. The festival begins with Atham and ends on Thiruvonam, the most important day. Families create Pookalam, vibrant floral carpets placed in front of homes to welcome King Mahabali. People prepare and share Onasadya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves, consisting of more than 20 delicious vegetarian dishes. Thrilling Vallamkali, or snake boat races, take place on the backwaters, drawing huge crowds.
In addition, traditional dances such as Thiruvathira, Kathakali, and Pulikali add colour and joy to the festivities. Communities come together to sing, dance, and enjoy games and fairs. Onam is more than a festival—it is a symbol of Kerala’s unity, gratitude for the harvest, and pride in its traditions. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from 26 August to 5 September, with Thiruvonam on 5 September as the main day of joy and togetherness.
How Students Can Celebrate and Participate
- Take part in making beautiful Pookalams with fresh flowers at school or home.
- Help prepare or serve the Onasadya and learn about each special dish.
- Organize or join in traditional children’s games and dances like Thiruvathirakali.
- Learn and narrate the story of King Mahabali and discuss the festival’s message of equality and kindness.
- Create posters, essays, or speeches about the importance of Onam for competitions and awareness initiatives. See Onam Essay, Onam Festival Essay and Onam Speech for student resources.
- Share Onam wishes – say “Onam Ashamsakal!” (Happy Onam) to friends and family.
For more festival-focused essays, refer to Festivals of India Essay and for speeches try Vedantu Speech Collection.
Onam is not just a festival but a celebration of Kerala’s values, agricultural abundance, and legendary history. Its customs—from the making of floral pookalams to the sharing of Onasadya—teach us about cooperation, gratitude, and respect for diverse cultures. Onam’s spirit brings families, friends, and communities together, making it an unforgettable occasion for all. Happy Onam, or “Onam Ashamsakal”, to all!
FAQs on Onam Festival Essay: Meaning, Stories, Importance for Students
1. Why is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated to honor the return of King Mahabali and mark the harvest festival of Kerala.
- The festival recalls the legendary reign of King Mahabali, symbolizing prosperity and equality.
- It marks the beginning of the Malayalam month Chingam (August–September).
- People express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and reinforce values of unity, happiness, and cultural heritage.
2. When is Onam celebrated in 2025?
Onam in 2025 will be celebrated from August 31 to September 10.
- The main day, called Thiruvonam, falls on September 9, 2025.
- The festival spans ten days, with different events and rituals each day.
3. What is the significance of Onam festival?
Onam signifies prosperity, cultural unity, and gratitude for a good harvest.
- It reminds people of the just and happy rule of King Mahabali.
- Onam encourages togetherness, inclusiveness, and respecting all communities.
- The celebration brings families and friends together with various traditional activities and feasts.
4. Who was King Mahabali in Onam legend?
King Mahabali was a legendary ruler in Kerala, known for his generosity and kindness.
- His reign is considered Kerala’s golden age—marked by equality, peace, and prosperity.
- According to the legend, Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar to test Mahabali’s humility.
- Onam celebrates Mahabali’s return each year to visit his beloved people.
5. How is Onam celebrated?
Onam is celebrated with vibrant customs and community events across Kerala.
- People make Pookalam (flower carpets) at home entrances.
- Families wear traditional clothes and enjoy the grand Onasadya feast.
- There are Vallam Kali (boat races), folk dances like Thiruvathira, and fun games called Onakalikal.
- Homes are decorated, and communities come together for cultural performances.
6. What are the main rituals and games of Onam?
The main rituals and games of Onam make the festival colorful and joyful.
- Pookalam: Creating intricate floral designs at home entrances.
- Onasadya: Enjoying a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves.
- Vallam Kali: Exciting snake boat races in Kerala’s rivers.
- Onakalikal: Playing traditional games such as tug of war, ball games, and archery.
- Folk Dances: Breaking out into Thiruvathira, Pulikali (tiger dance), and other performances.
7. How to write a short essay on Onam festival?
To write a short essay on Onam festival, include its meaning, history, and celebrations.
- Start by defining Onam as Kerala’s major harvest festival.
- Mention the legend of King Mahabali and the reason for the festival.
- Describe main customs like pookalam, Onasadya, games, and dances.
- End with a line about Onam’s message of unity and happiness.
8. What is Onasadya?
Onasadya is the traditional feast served during Onam, consisting of multiple vegetarian dishes.
- The meal is served on a banana leaf and may include up to 26 different items.
- Popular dishes are avial, sambar, banana chips, payasam, and pickles.
- Onasadya represents abundance and is enjoyed with family and friends on the main day, Thiruvonam.
9. How do you make a pookalam for Onam?
To make a pookalam (flower carpet) for Onam:
- Select a clean, flat surface at the entrance of your home.
- Draw the outline of your desired pookalam design using chalk or pencil.
- Gather fresh, colorful flower petals such as marigold, jasmine, and chrysanthemums.
- Fill the design with the petals, starting from the center and moving outward.
- Continue adding layers each day as per the ten-day tradition of Onam.
10. Can you share 10 lines on Onam festival?
Here are 10 lines about Onam festival:
- Onam is Kerala’s grandest festival.
- It marks the annual homecoming of King Mahabali.
- Onam celebrates the harvest season in August or September.
- People make beautiful pookalams (flower carpets) at their homes.
- Onasadya is the special feast enjoyed during Onam.
- Snake boat races and traditional games add excitement.
- Folk dances like Thiruvathira are performed.
- Onam stands for unity, equality, and happiness.
- All communities join the celebration in Kerala.
- Onam teaches us to value tradition and togetherness.
11. What is the story behind the Onam festival?
The story of Onam is about King Mahabali, a generous and beloved ruler.
- His rule was so fair and happy that the gods became jealous.
- To test his virtue, Lord Vishnu visited him in the form of Vamana.
- Mahabali was sent to the underworld but was allowed to visit his people once a year, leading to the celebration of Onam.
12. How do schools celebrate Onam?
Schools celebrate Onam with various cultural and educational activities.
- Children participate in making pookalams and decorating classrooms.
- Programs include Onam dances, skits, welcome songs, and competitions like essays or speeches.
- Teachers sometimes organize mock Onasadya feasts to help students experience the tradition.
