Kerala, known as "God’s Own Country," is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich traditions, and vibrant festivals. The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, is an integral part of Kerala’s cultural and spiritual identity. It governs the timing of festivals, rituals, and auspicious events, deeply rooted in the region's heritage.
In this blog, we present a detailed 2025 Malayalam Festivals Calendar, explaining the significance, rituals, and cultural essence of each celebration. This guide will help you experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Kerala.
Understanding the Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham)
The Malayalam calendar, Kollavarsham, is a lunisolar calendar used primarily in Kerala. It begins with the month of Chingam (August-September) and comprises 12 months:
- Chingam (August-September)
- Kanni (September-October)
- Thulam (October-November)
- Vrischikam (November-December)
- Dhanu (December-January)
- Makaram (January-February)
- Kumbham (February-March)
- Meenam (March-April)
- Medam (April-May)
- Edavam (May-June)
- Mithunam (June-July)
- Karkidakam (July-August)
The Kollavarsham determines the timing of Kerala’s festivals, many of which are deeply tied to nature, agricultural cycles, and religious traditions.
2025 Malayalam Festivals Calendar
January 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| based on Solar calendar | Mukkoti Ekadasi |
January 10, 2025, Friday
|
| based on Solar calendar | Thiruvathira |
January 13, 2025, Monday
|
| Dhanu to Makaram transit of Sun | Makaram Sankramam |
January 14, 2025, Tuesday
|
| on Makaram Sankramam day | Pongal |
January 14, 2025, Tuesday
|
| based on Solar calendar | Makaravilakku |
January 14, 2025, Tuesday
|
February 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| based on Solar calendar | Thai Pooyam | February 11, 2025, Tuesday |
| Makaram to Kumbham transit of Sun | Kumbham Sankramam | February 12, 2025, Wednesday |
| Magha, Krishna Chaturdasi | Shivarathri | February 26, 2025, Wednesday |
March 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| based on Malayalam calendar | Attukal Pongal | March 13, 2025, Thursday |
| Kumbham to Meenam transit of Sun | Meenam Sankramam | March 14, 2025, Friday |
| occurs during Pournami | Chandra Grahan *Purna | March 14, 2025, Friday |
| occurs during Amavasi | Surya Grahan *Anshika | March 29, 2025, Saturday |
| Chaitra, Shukla Trutheeya | Matsyavathara Dinam | March 31, 2025, Monday |
April 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Chaitra, Shukla Navami | Shree Rama Navami | April 6, 2025, Sunday |
| Uthiram Nakshatram in Panguni month | Painkuni Uthram | April 11, 2025, Friday |
| Meenam to Metam transit of Sun | Metam Sankramam | April 14, 2025, Monday |
| first day of Hindu Solar calendar | Solar New Year | April 14, 2025, Monday |
| based on Solar calendar | Vishu | April 14, 2025, Monday |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Trutheeya | Parashurama Jayanthi | April 29, 2025, Tuesday |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Trutheeya | Akshaya Trithiya | April 30, 2025, Wednesday |
May 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Panchami | Shree Shankara Jayanthi | May 2, 2025, Friday |
| based on Malayalam calendar | Thrissur Pooram | May 7, 2025, Wednesday |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Chaturdasi | Narasimha Jayanthi | May 11, 2025, Sunday |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Pournami | Kurmavathara Dinam | May 12, 2025, Monday |
| based on Solar calendar | Chitra Pournami | May 12, 2025, Monday |
| Metam to Itavam transit of Sun | Itavam Sankramam | May 15, 2025, Thursday |
June 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Itavam to Mithunam transit of Sun | Mithunam Sankramam | June 15, 2025, Sunday |
July 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Ashadha, Shukla Pournami | Guru Poornima | July 10, 2025, Thursday |
| Mithunam to Karkadakam transit of Sun | Karkatakam Sankramam | July 16, 2025, Wednesday |
August 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Avani Avittam | August 9, 2025, Saturday | |
| Karkadakam to Chingam transit of Sun | Chingam Sankramam | August 17, 2025, Sunday |
| first day of Chingam Masam | Malayalam New Year | August 17, 2025, Sunday |
| Bhadrapada, Shukla Trutheeya | Varaha Jayanthi | August 25, 2025, Monday |
| Chingam, Shukla Chathurthi | Kerala Vinayaka Chathurthi | August 27, 2025, Wednesday |
| Bhadrapada, Shukla Panchami | Rishi Panchami | August 28, 2025, Thursday |
September 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Bhadrapada, Shukla Dwadasi | Vamana Jayanthi | September 4, 2025, Thursday |
| based on Astronomy calculations | Agastya Arghya | September 4, 2025, Thursday |
| Sun in Chingam & Shravana Nakshatra | Onam | September 5, 2025, Friday |
| occurs during Pournami | Chandra Grahan *Purna | September 7, 2025, Sunday |
| based on Solar calendar | Ashtami Rohini | September 14, 2025, Sunday |
| on Kanni Sankramam day | Vishwakarma Puja | September 17, 2025, Wednesday |
| Chingam to Kanni transit of Sun | Kanni Sankramam | September 17, 2025, Wednesday |
| Ashwina, Shukla Pradhama | Navarathri | September 22, 2025, Monday |
| occurs during Amavasi | Surya Grahan *Anshika | September 22, 2025, Monday |
| Ashwina, Shukla Ashtami | Durgashtami | September 30, 2025, Tuesday |
October 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Ashwina, Shukla Navami | Maha Navami | October 1, 2025, Wednesday |
| Ashwina, Shukla Dasami | Vijayadashami | October 2, 2025, Thursday |
| Ashwina, Shukla Dasami | Vidyarambham Day | October 2, 2025, Thursday |
| Kanni to Thulam transit of Sun | Thulam Sankramam | October 17, 2025, Friday |
| Ashwina, Krishna Amavasi | Diwali | October 20, 2025, Monday |
November 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Thulam to Vrishchikam transit of Sun | Vrischikam Sankramam | November 16, 2025, Sunday |
| based on Malayalam calendar | Mandalakala Begins | November 17, 2025, Monday |
December 2025 Festivals
| Tithi | Festival Name | Festival Date |
| Margashirsha, Shukla Ekadasi | Geeta Dinam | December 1, 2025, Monday |
| based on Solar calendar | Guruvayur Ekadasi | December 1, 2025, Monday |
| based on Solar calendar | Karthigai Deepam | December 4, 2025, Thursday |
| Vrishchikam to Dhanu transit of Sun | Dhanu Sankramam | December 16, 2025, Tuesday |
| Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasi | Hanuman Jayanthi *Tamil | December 19, 2025, Friday |
| based on Malayalam calendar | Mandalakala Pooja | December 27, 2025, Saturday |
| based on Solar calendar | Mukkoti Ekadasi | December 31, 2025, Wednesday |
Key Features of Malayalam Festivals
Malayalam festivals, celebrated in Kerala, stand out for their blend of spirituality, cultural richness, and harmony with nature. They reflect the state’s vibrant traditions, community spirit, and profound connection to its environment. Here is a detailed explanation of the key features that make Malayalam festivals unique and cherished:
1. Deep Spiritual Significance
Most Malayalam festivals are rooted in religious and spiritual traditions. They honor Hindu deities like Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan, and Goddess Durga. Festivals such as Vishu, Onam, and Thiruvathira emphasize devotion and spiritual practices.
- Vishu: Celebrates the Malayalam New Year with the viewing of Vishukkani, a symbol of prosperity.
- Thiruvathira: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it includes fasting and the traditional Thiruvathirakali dance.
- Makara Vilakku: A Sabarimala pilgrimage festival marked by witnessing the divine Makara Jyothi light.
The spiritual aspect of these festivals fosters faith, inner peace, and moral values in the community.
2. Harmony with Nature
Kerala’s festivals are often tied to agricultural and seasonal cycles, showcasing a deep respect for nature. Celebrations like Onam and Vishu highlight the state’s agrarian roots.
- Onam: Marks the harvest season and the arrival of the mythical King Mahabali. Traditional floral decorations (Pookalam) and feasts celebrate nature’s abundance.
- Karkidaka Vavu Bali: Conducted during the monsoon, this ritual honors ancestors near rivers and seashores, emphasizing the state’s reliance on water bodies.
These festivals are a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the environment and celebrating its bounty.
3. Community Bonding
Malayalam festivals foster a sense of unity and togetherness. They transcend caste, creed, and religion, bringing people together to celebrate joyfully.
- Thrissur Pooram: Known as the "Mother of All Poorams," this festival features grand processions, traditional music (Panchavadyam), and fireworks. It attracts people from all walks of life.
- Attukal Pongala: A women-only festival where millions gather to prepare offerings for the Goddess, symbolizing collective devotion.
These events strengthen social bonds and promote cultural inclusiveness.
4. Cultural Grandeur
Malayalam festivals showcase Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through traditional art forms, music, and dance. They are a platform for artists to perform and preserve their crafts.
- Kathakali: A classical dance-drama often performed during temple festivals like Meena Bharani and Chettikulangara Bharani.
- Theyyam: A ritualistic art form that combines dance, music, and worship, performed in northern Kerala during festivals.
- Pulikali: A colorful tiger dance featured during Onam, reflecting the festive spirit of the people.
These art forms make the festivals visually and culturally appealing, offering a treat for visitors and locals alike.
5. Elaborate Rituals and Traditions
Malayalam festivals are marked by intricate rituals that often require days of preparation. These rituals are steeped in ancient traditions and passed down through generations.
- Vishu Kani: Arranging auspicious items like rice, fruits, and a mirror for a prosperous start to the year.
- Sadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves during festivals like Onam and Vishu.
- Kettukazhcha: A unique procession of decorated structures during festivals like Chettikulangara Bharani.
These rituals preserve Kerala’s cultural identity and ensure the continuation of its rich traditions.
6. Inclusivity and Secular Spirit
While many Malayalam festivals are Hindu-centric, they are celebrated by people of all religions. Kerala’s pluralistic culture ensures that festivals like Onam and Vishu are enjoyed across communities.
Even Muslim and Christian festivals like Eid and Christmas blend seamlessly into the cultural fabric of the state, with joint participation in festivities.
Conclusion
The 2025 Malayalam Festivals Calendar reflects the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of Kerala. From the grandeur of Onam to the devotion of Makara Vilakku, each festival offers a unique insight into the traditions that define Kerala's identity.
Celebrate these festivals to connect with Kerala’s vibrant culture and spiritual essence. Let the beauty of Malayalam traditions enrich your 2025!