Onam, Kerala’s annual harvest festival, is one of the most important Hindu celebrations, blending cultural traditions, devotion, and community spirit for Malayalis worldwide. In Singapore, the vibrant Indian community comes together every year to celebrate this joyous festival with flower carpets, cultural performances, traditional feasts, and festive attire. If you are wondering what is Onam 2025 all about, when is Onam 2025 celebrated, where is Onam celebrated in Singapore, and where to enjoy the best Kerala food, this guide has you covered.
You can read more about Onam 2025 celebrations in India here
When is Onam 2025?
If you’re asking Onam 2025 date, the festival officially begins on Augustus 26, 2025 (Tuesday), and continue for 10 days filled with cultural traditions and celebrations. The highlight of the festival, Thiruvonam, falls on September 5, 2025 (Friday). Each day has cultural and religious significance, with families engaging in rituals, feasts, and community gatherings.
What is Onam 2025?
Source: Pexels.com (by Saveurs Secretes)
Onam is the annual harvest festival of Kerala and one of the most important Hindu celebrations. It marks the legendary return of King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a time of prosperity, equality, and joy. The 10-day festival is filled with cultural traditions.
Onam Festival 2025 will feature the same iconic traditions: elaborate flower carpets (pookkalams), the grand vegetarian feast (Onam Sadhya), boat races, cultural performances, and family gatherings.
-
Pookkalam: Colorful floral carpets laid at entrances. Families and neighbors often create these intricate patterns together, using seasonal flowers to make the designs vibrant and symbolic.
-
Onam Sadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring dishes like avial, sambar, thoran, payasam, and more. In Singapore, local Malayalee restaurants and community centers host Sadya events, allowing people to enjoy authentic flavors.
-
Vallam Kali: The famous snake boat races in Kerala are symbolically celebrated in Singapore through performances, video presentations, and storytelling for children.
-
Cultural Performances: Traditional dances like Thiruvathira, Kaikottikali, and folk music performances often feature during community celebrations in Singapore.
-
Community Engagement: Onam encourages togetherness. Community centers and associations organize quiz contests, arts and crafts competitions, and cultural evenings to immerse participants in Kerala’s rich heritage.
The festival is not just a ritualistic celebration but also a time to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to foster unity among communities, both in Kerala and abroad.
Onam 2025 Celebrations in Singapore
Source: Canva.com
Singapore’s Indian community keeps Onam traditions alive with events hosted at temples, community centers, and cultural halls. Popular venues often include:
1. Onam Fiesta 2025 by Hong Kah North CC IAEC
One of the most awaited Onam in Singapore events, the Onam Fiesta at Hong Kah North CC promises a full-day of festivities. Expect traditional dance, music, games, and the highlight—the Onam sadhya feast.
- Date: Sunday, 31 August 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Venue: Hong Kah North Community Club, 30 Bukit Batok Street 31, Singapore 659440
- Highlights: Cultural performances, grand feast, community games, and lucky draws.
-
More Details: Instagram Post
2. Onam Celebration 2025 by Punggol 21 CC IAEC
This event offers a more intimate community experience of Onam Festival 2025, featuring cultural showcases and a festive meal at an affordable ticket price, making it family-friendly.
- Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Venue: Punggol 21 Community Club, Punggol Field, Punggol 21 CC, Singapore 828815
-
Entry Fee: S$8 per person
- More Details: visit here
3. Onam @ Yew Tee 2025 by Yew Tee CC IAEC
Yew Tee’s celebration brings together residents and visitors alike for a joyful dance performances, festive music, cultural programme tand authentic Kerala cuisine. It’s a lively way to experience Onam in Singapore.
- Date: 21 September 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: Yew Tee Community Club, Multi-Purpose Hall
-
Highlight: A family-friendly event designed to engage all generations in Onam traditions.
- Entry Fee: S$10 per participant
-
More Details: visit here
4. Onam Celebrations 2025 with Zones 3, 8, 11 & IAEC
Celebrate the joy of Onam Festival 2025 with the Pasir Ris community! This year’s program features a Pookalam Competition that brings together creativity, culture, and festive spirit.
- Date: 21 September 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Venue: Pasir Ris East Community Club, Level 2 Multi-Purpose Hall
- Highlight: A festive Pookalam competition blending Onam traditions with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations.
-
More Details: visit here
Onam Catering & Sadhya Food in Singapore 2025
No Onam Festival 2025 is complete without the grand vegetarian feast, the Onam Sadhya. In Singapore, several popular restaurants prepare authentic Kerala-style sadhya, featuring over 20 traditional dishes served on banana leaves. If you’re searching for where to eat Onam food in Singapore 2025, here are some top spots:
1. Swaadhisht Restaurant
- Dates: 4th & 5th September 2025
- Time: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Venue: 47 Chander Road, Singapore 219546
- Note: No reservations or delivery requests will be accepted on these days.
- More info: Visit here
2. Premaas Restaurant
- Date: 5th September 2025 (Friday)
- Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Venue: 126 Race Course Road, Singapore
- Price: Takeaway $26 per pax (orders close on 4th Sept, 5 PM)
- Book here: Visit here
3. Spice Junction
- Dates: 5th, 6th & 7th September 2025
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Price: From $20.90+
- Venue: 126 Race Course Road, Singapore
- More info: Visit here | Facebook Post
4. Paradise Biryani
- Date: 5th September 2025
- Menu: 22 items, priced at $21.90
- Options: Self-pickup (9:00–11:00 AM), dine-in (11:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
- Venues: 16 Jalan Pari Burong & 369 Sembawang Road, #01-07, Singapore
- Details: Instagram Post
5. Curry Magic
- Dates: 5th, 6th & 7th September 2025
- Menu: 23+ traditional Onam items
- Price: Starting at $27.00
- Option: Takeaway only
- More info: Visit here
Onam 2025 Activities and Tips in Singapore
-
Flower Carpet Competitions: Join local Pookkalam competitions in community halls to showcase creativity and cultural knowledge.
-
Cooking Classes and Sadya Preparation: Some community centers host cooking sessions to teach traditional Onam recipes.
-
Cultural Workshops for Kids: You can do this at home with simple tools like paper, flowers, or basic musical instruments. Children can try simple dance steps, make paper flower rangolis, or learn Onam songs—ensuring the festival is passed on to the next generation in fun and creative ways.
-
Photo Opportunities: Dress your family in ethnic wear from Nimbu Clothing and capture festive moments with Pookkalam backgrounds.
You can arrange family photos at home or hire photographers:
For edgy family shots, consider @theonlookers.co or @theperfectstatement. For timeless and elegant portraits, photographers like @rebeccabergerphotography and @samanthatraceyphotography are excellent options - Community Volunteering: Many events welcome volunteers to help with preparations, making it a fun and socially rewarding experience.
What to Wear for Onam 2025 in Singapore
Zoya White & Gold in Cotton Family Sets
Dressing for Onam is part of the celebration. Traditionally, men wear mundu or dhotis with a simple kurta, while women opt for the elegant Kasavu saree. Children often dress in festive kurtas, lehengas, or dresses that reflect Kerala’s cultural charm. festive outfits in shades of white, gold, and bright hues. Traditional Onam outfit colors include green, pious white, gold, yellow, and orange—each symbolizing prosperity, purity, and celebration.
If you’re looking for ethnic wear that is festive yet comfortable for Singapore’s climate, explore the kids’ and family outfits from Nimbu. Their sustainable and stylish ethnic wear collections. Nimbu picks for Onam 2025 include the Zoya Family Sets in white & gold for a timeless look, and the Shan Family Set in green paisley for a bold, elegant statement. Whether it’s a graceful kurti set, a festive kurta-dhoti for boys, or coordinated family ensembles.
Shopping and Gifts for Onam 2025
Singapore offers several options for shopping ethnic wear, decorations, and ingredients for the Sadya feast. Nimbu provides an online platform where you can select traditional outfits for the entire family. Matching family sets and festive accessories make gifting easier and more meaningful, emphasizing unity and cultural pride.
Besides clothing, decorative items like traditional lamps, banana leaves, and floral arrangements can be purchased from local stores or online retailers. Ensuring your home is beautifully decorated adds to the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Onam 2025 in Singapore will be a vibrant occasion filled with food, traditions, and togetherness. Whether you’re joining a community celebration, enjoying an Onam sadhya with friends, or simply dressing up in festive attire, it’s a wonderful way to experience Kerala’s heritage right here in Singapore.
Mark your calendars for Onam Festival 2025, prepare your outfits, and get ready to join the celebrations that bring joy, culture, and community spirit to life.