Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is set to immerse itself in festive grandeur with the Onam Week Celebrations 2025, organized by the Government of Kerala. Beginning on September 3 and continuing until September 9, the festive celebrations promise an extraordinary experience that highlights the state’s rich heritage of art, dance, music, and cultural expressions. The capital city, district headquarters, and numerous venues across Kerala have been decorated in vibrant colors to welcome locals and visitors to this spectacular event.
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Inaugural Ceremony at Nishagandhi Auditorium – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
The state-level celebrations will commence on September 3 at 6 pm at the iconic Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. The ceremony will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and presided over by Minister for Tourism and Public Works Shri P A Mohamed Riyas.
The event will also be graced by prominent dignitaries including Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V Sivankutty, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Shri G R Anil, Leader of the Opposition Shri V D Satheesan, Mayor Smt Arya Rajendran, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and District Panchayat President Shri D Suresh Kumar. Senior officials such as Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju and Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran will also attend the function.
Adding glamour to the occasion, acclaimed film director and actor Shri Basil Joseph along with popular Tamil actor Shri Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi) will be present as chief guests.
The inauguration will be followed by a grand musical night at Nishagandhi, setting the tone for a week of spectacular cultural showcases.
A Celebration of Kerala’s Art, Dance, and Music – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
This year’s Onam Week is being celebrated on an even grander scale under the leadership of the Tourism Department, with Minister Shri V Sivankutty, who also serves as the Working Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasizing the extensive participation of artists. Thousands of performers from Kerala’s classical, folk, ethnic, and martial art traditions will take the stage during the week.
Audiences will witness a wide spectrum of Kerala’s traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, Theyyam, Chenda Melam, and folk dance forms, along with modern performances that appeal to contemporary sensibilities.
Key Venues Across Thiruvananthapuram – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
In Thiruvananthapuram district alone, 33 venues will host cultural and entertainment programmes. Prominent locations include:
- Central Stadium
- Poojappura Maidan
- Greenfield Stadium
- Bharat Bhavan
- Gandhi Park
- Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan
- Museum Compound
- Varkala and Nedumangad
Each venue will present diverse cultural performances, ensuring that the festive mood spreads throughout the city and beyond.
Pre-Festival Highlights – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
The celebrations will be preceded by a series of exciting events:
- Festival Flag Hoisting at Kanakakunnu Palace on August 31 at 5 pm, marking the symbolic start of the festivities.
- Onam Trade Fair at Kanakakunnu, opening on the same day at 2 pm, offering visitors a chance to experience Kerala’s handicrafts, textiles, and delicacies.
- A spirited tug-of-war competition at Central Stadium on September 2 at 5 pm, featuring MLAs, employees from the City Corporation, District Panchayat, Secretariat, and members of the media.
- Festival lights will be officially switched on September 2 at 6:30 pm, transforming the city into a luminous wonderland each evening.
- An ‘Athapookkalam’ (floral carpet) competition at Jawahar Balabhavan on September 2, showcasing intricate floral artistry.
Musical Extravaganza – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
Music remains an essential element of the Onam spirit, and this year’s line-up promises to enthrall audiences:
Music director Sharath will deliver a special concert.
Popular playback singers such as Mano, Chinmayi, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Sitara Krishnakumar, Biju Narayanan, Vidhu Prathap, Remya Nambeesan, Rajesh Cherthala, Nitya Mammen, Pushpavathi, Naresh Iyer, and others will perform across multiple venues.
A mega show by actor Suraj Venjaramood will add a unique flavor of entertainment.
Comedy shows, music bands, and dance programmes will further enhance the celebratory mood.
Additionally, programmes curated by various media houses will be staged at the Central Stadium and Poojappura Maidan, creating a diverse cultural offering for audiences.
Cultural Procession and Grand Finale – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
The celebrations will culminate in a magnificent cultural pageantry on September 9, which will begin at Vellayambalam and conclude at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.
The procession will be flagged off from Manaveeyam Veedhi and will include nearly 150 floats, each depicting vibrant elements of Kerala’s traditions, mythology, and heritage. Strict adherence to the green protocol has been ensured, promoting eco-friendly celebrations. Spectators will be able to witness the moving spectacle from various vantage points along the route.
Participation of Artists – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
An estimated 10,000 artists, including performers from other Indian states, will take part in the week-long festival. This diverse participation will not only highlight Kerala’s cultural depth but also foster artistic exchange across regions.
Coordination and Organization – Onam Week Celebrations 2025
The massive cultural undertaking is being coordinated by the Tourism Department, District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs), and District Administrations across the state. Their combined efforts ensure smooth execution of programmes in both urban and rural districts.
The Onam Week Celebrations 2025 stand as a testament to Kerala’s enduring cultural legacy. From traditional art performances and floral displays to music concerts and a grand procession, the event embodies the spirit of unity, festivity, and heritage that Onam represents.
As the state decks itself up in festive brilliance, the celebrations promise to offer an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike, reflecting the vibrant heartbeat of Kerala’s cultural identity.
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