As the golden month of Chingam approaches, the air in Kerala becomes thick with anticipation and festive fervor. Onam, the state’s most cherished festival, is not just a celebration—it’s an emotion that connects every Malayali heart across the globe. The festival brings together families, communities, and cultures in a spectacular display of unity, tradition, and joy.
Music has always been the soul of Onam celebrations, with melodious Onapattukal (Onam songs) filling every home, school, and public space during the ten-day festivities. From traditional folk songs passed down through generations to modern cinematic compositions, Onam songs capture the essence of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of homecoming that defines this beautiful festival.
About Onam and Onam 2025 Dates
Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival and the official state festival, celebrated to welcome the mythical King Mahabali who is believed to visit his beloved subjects during this time. The festival symbolizes prosperity, equality, and the golden age of Kerala when everyone lived in harmony and abundance.
Onam 2025 will be celebrated from August 28 to September 5, 2025, with the main day of Thiruvonam falling on September 5, 2025. The festival spans ten days, each with its own significance, starting from Atham and culminating in the grand celebration of Thiruvonam.
The ten days of Onam are: Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam. Each day is marked by traditional activities like creating Pookalam (floral carpets), preparing the grand Onasadya feast, and performing cultural programs filled with music and dance.
Top 6 Onam Songs You Should Listen in 2025
🎵 Kuttanadan Punjayile [LYRICS: Click here]
കുട്ടനാടൻ പുഞ്ചയിലെ
തെയ് തെയ് തക തെയ് തെയ് തോം
കൊച്ചു പെണ്ണെ കുയിലാളേ
തിത്തിത്താതി തെയ് തെയ്
കൊട്ടുവേണം കുഴൽവേണം കുരവവേണം
ഓ തിത്തിത്താരാ തിത്തിത്തെയ്
തിത്തൈ തിത്തൈ തകതെയ് [LYRICS: Click here]
Genre: Traditional Folk Song
Significance: A classic Malayalam folk song played at Kerala’s yearly boat races that brings back nostalgic memories for every Malayali during Onam
About: This timeless folk song celebrates the beauty of Kuttanad, Kerala’s rice bowl, and is synonymous with the traditional boat races held during Onam season.
🎵 Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam [Lyrics: Click Here]
മാവേലി നാടു വാണീടും കാലം
മാനുഷരെല്ലാരുമൊന്നു പോലേ
ആമോദത്തോടെ വസിക്കും കാലം
ആപത്തങ്ങാർക്കുമൊട്ടില്ല താനും
കള്ളവുമില്ല ചതിയുമില്ലാ
എള്ളോളമില്ലാ പൊളി വചനം
കള്ളപ്പറയും ചെറുനാഴിയും
കള്ളത്തരങ്ങള് മറ്റൊന്നുമില്ലാ [Complete Lyrics: Click Here]
Genre: Traditional Onam Song
Significance: The most iconic Onam song celebrating King Mahabali’s return
About: This classic composition describes the golden era of King Mahabali’s rule and is a staple in every Onam celebration.
🎵 Onapattin Thalam Thullum [Lyrics: Click Here]
ഓണപ്പാട്ടിന് താളം തുള്ളും തുമ്പപൂവേ
നിന്നെ തഴുകാനായ് കുളിര് കാട്ടിന് കുഞ്ഞിക്കൈകള്
ഓണവില്ലില് ഊഞ്ഞാല് ആടും വണ്ണാത്തിക്കിളിയേ
നിന്നെ പുല്കാനായ് കൊതിയൂറും മാരിക്കാറും
ഓണപ്പാട്ടിന് … [Complete Lyrics: Click Here]
Film: Quotation (2004)
Significance: Widely considered one of the biggest chartbusters for Onam, this euphonious song got appreciation all across due to the soothing music and lyrics entailed the Onam festival in Kerala
About: A modern Onam anthem that beautifully captures the festive spirit
🎵 Thiruvaavaniraavu [Lyrics: Click Here]
തിരുവാവണി രാവു് മനസ്സാകെ നിലാവു്
മലയാളച്ചുണ്ടിൽ മലരോണപ്പാട്ടു്
തിരുവാവണി രാവു് മനസ്സാകെ നിലാവു്
മലയാളച്ചുണ്ടിൽ മലരോണപ്പാട്ടു്
മാവിൻ കൊമ്പേറുന്നൊരു പൂവാലിക്കുയിലേ
മാവേലിത്തമ്പ്രാന്റെ വരവായാൽ ചൊല്ല് [Complete Lyrics: Click Here]
Thiruvaavaniraavu is a Malayalam song from the film Jacobinte Swargarajyam. It is a beautiful and heart-warming song that captures the essence of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. The song is sung by Unni Menon and Sithara, and the lyrics are by Manu Manjith.
🎵 Uthrada Poonilave Vaa [Lyrics: Click Here]
ഉത്രാടപ്പൂനിലാവേ വാ… ഉത്രാടപ്പൂനിലാവേ വാ…
മുറ്റത്തെ പൂക്കളത്തിൽ വാടിയ പൂവണിയിൽ
ഇത്തിരിപ്പാല് ചുരത്താന് വാ..വാ..വാ…(ഉത്രാടപ്പൂനിലാവേ വാ..) [Complete Lyrics: Click Here]
Onam Song: Uthrada Poonilave Vaa
Lyrics: Sreekumaran Thambi
Music: Raveendran
Singer: K J Yesudas
This nostalgic Onam song beautifully captures the anticipation of Thiruvonam, invoking the spirit of the festival with emotional depth and lyrical grace. Sung by K. J. Yesudas, it paints a vivid picture of the Uthradam night—a time of joy, family gatherings, and cultural reverence. A timeless favorite that still echoes in every Malayali heart during Onam.
🎵 Thiruvona pularithan [Lyrics: Click Here]
തിരുവോണപ്പുലരിതന് തിരുമുല്ക്കാഴ്ച്ച വാങ്ങാന്
തിരുമുറ്റമണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങീ…..
തിരുമേനി എഴുന്നള്ളും സമയമായീ…
ഹൃദയങ്ങളണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങീ….ഒരുങ്ങീ
ഹൃദയങ്ങളണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങീ…. [Complete Lyrics: Click Here]
Lyricist: Sreekumaran Thampi , ശ്രീകുമാരൻ തമ്പി
Composer: MK Arjunan , എം കെ അർജ്ജുനൻ
Singer : Vani Jairam , വാണി ജയറാം
Film: Thiruvonam, തിരുവോണം
A soulful melody that celebrates the dawn of Thiruvonam, this song beautifully evokes the serenity and sanctity of the festival morning. With heartfelt vocals and poetic lyrics, it reflects the spiritual and cultural essence of Onam, reminding listeners of King Mahabali’s cherished return and the joy that fills every Malayali home.
Onam songs, collectively called Onappaattu, are being religiously carried forward from one generation to other as people take great delight in singing them. These melodious compositions are more than just entertainment—they are the threads that weave together the cultural fabric of Kerala, connecting past traditions with present celebrations.
As we prepare to celebrate Onam 2025, let these timeless songs fill your homes and hearts with the spirit of the festival. Whether you’re creating Pookalam, preparing Onasadya, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, these songs will transport you to the golden age of Kerala that Onam represents.
The beauty of Onam songs lies in their ability to evoke a sense of belonging and nostalgia, making every Malayali feel connected to their roots, regardless of where they are in the world. So this Onam, turn up the volume, sing along, and let the music of Kerala’s greatest festival create memories that will last a lifetime.
Onam Ashamsakal! (Onam Wishes!) May this Onam bring prosperity, happiness, and harmony to all your families and communities around the world.