Pillar Onam 2025 Date | When it is Celebrated PillerOnam

Pilleronam (Malayalam: Piller meaning children) is a children-centric version of Onam, observed on the Thiruvonam star in the month of Karkidakam—typically 27 to 28 days before the main Thiruvonam in Chingam.

This year Piller Onam is on 9th August 2025

Timing:

Pilleronam falls on the Thiruvonam star in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which is about 27 days before the main Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam. Historically, this was a period of famine and hardship, and Pilleronam was a day of hope and celebration for children.

Traditions and Activities:

• Feasting: A mini-version of the Onam feast, called a “mini-sadya,” is prepared. It includes dishes like unniyappam (a sweet snack) and a simple sadya with rice, lentils, and pappadam.
• Children’s Role: It was a day dedicated to children, who were often given responsibilities and allowed to take the lead in household activities and games.
• Floral Decorations: While not as elaborate as the pookalam for the main Onam, small-scale floral carpets are laid.
• New Clothes: Children would wear new clothes, and some would also adorn their hands with henna.

Significance and Rituals

• A Symbol of Hope: Karkidakam was historically a challenging time marked by heavy monsoon, hardship, and scarcity. Pilleronam offered a moment of joy and anticipation ahead of the grand Onam.

• Children Take Charge: On this day, children were entrusted with running the household—planning meals, games, and celebrations—with adult support.

• A mini Sadya was prepared, featuring child favorites like unniyappam or special payasams such as chawari payasam (sago) or even modern twists like pasta payasam.

• Pookalam (floral designs) were crafted—often simpler than Onam—but symbolized festive spirit and beauty.

• For Brahmin communities, Pilleronam coincided with Upakarma, the ritual of changing the sacred thread (janeyu), symbolizing a fresh spiritual beginning.

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Cultural Context and Decline

• The festival is deeply rooted in traditions associated with Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, while the main Onam honors King Mahabali. This dual symbolism reflects cultural narratives across Malayalam mythos.

• At temples like Thrikkakara, festivities used to begin on Pilleronam and continue through Onam, spanning 28 days—boldly enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

• Unfortunately, the observance of Pilleronam has faded over time and is now largely forgotten or practiced only in pockets.

Summary