Get ready for Onam! It’s almost here – this year, in 2024, it kicks off on September 6th (Friday) and wraps up on September 15th (Sunday). The entire stretch of 10 days during Onam is brimming with excitement. But the ultimate day of celebration, ‘Thiruvonam’, takes the festive energy to the max. On this day, people enjoy feasting, playing games, and getting dressed up at their best. And of course, all this fun is incomplete without some lively tunes. So, we’ve put together a list of the top 15 popular songs for your Onam playlist. Check them out.
Credits: OneIndia
Onam has been celebrated in Kerala for centuries in remembrance of King Mahabali. The king is believed to visit the ‘God’s Own Country’ every year this time. Malayalis welcome him with extreme grandeur and love. The extravaganza also attracts thousands of tourists across the globe.
The government is promoting the Onam festival nationally to increase its tourist value. Tourists get to see the sense of spirituality of the people of Kerala during the grand celebrations.
Credits: OneIndia
It’s this time of the year when all schools, colleges and offices enjoy holidays (usually for three days). It’s a time spent with family and friends indulging in the festive spirit. It’s also a time for shopping when many stores and shops provide Onam offers on their products.
Onam celebrations are not complete without music! Not only to dance to the tunes and have a blast, but people also play songs once they are back from the temple. The tradition of Onam music is still observed in Kerala with enthusiasm and eagerness.
Popular Onam Songs In Malayalam
There are several songs in the Malayalam language that are best fit for Onam. We’ve picked a few for you.
1. Onapattin Thalam Thullum
Onapattin Thalam Thullum is widely considered one of the biggest chartbusters for Onam. Even though this film — Quotation (2004) went unnoticed, this euphonious song got appreciation all across due to the soothing music and lyrics entailed the Onam festival in Kerala.
Singer: Kalyani
Lyrics: Brajesh Ramachandran
Music: Sabeesh George
2. Onam Vanallo Ponnonam Vanallo
Give a perfect start to your day with this awesome tune. It signifies the start of the Onam season. And gives a glimpse of all the joy you will experience in the coming days. We couldn’t have left out this track from our list. So go ahead, play, and enjoy!
Singer: Yesudas
Lyrics: AV Vasudevan Potti
Music: Berny Ignatius
3. Onam Varavayi Keram Thingum Ulsava Naal
This song is a mix of classical tunes and the latest beats that make your feet tap. It will give you a relaxing feel on a busy day. So, create a mood of enjoyment and revive your enthusiasm by listening to the track. Although it’s been a while since this song came out, it never gets old. This is a must-play in the Onam season for your friends and younger folks in the family. Play this song on speakers that have beat boosters. The vibe will be mesmerising.
4. Uthradapoovnilave Vaa
The powerful and melodious voice of Yesudas will cut deep into your heart. This song is a little different from the others on the list, as it reminds you of everyone out there who does not get to enjoy Onam like the others. The song is produced by Tharangini the first music company in Kerala. Listen to it here and pay your tribute to those who are away from their loved ones at the time of this joyful occasion.
Singer: KJ Yesudas
Music: Raveendran
Album: Sravanam
5. Paraniraye Ponnalakkum Pournami Ravayi
Enjoy the melodious tunes from Yesudas & Sujatha and rejoice in the Onam spirit. This song reflects the Onam feeling and never gets too old to listen. It expresses the happiness that children experience in this beautiful season. So hit the volume up and play Paraniraye Ponnalakkum Pournami Ravayi in your home after returning from the temple to elevate the festive emotion.
Singers: KJ Yesudas and Sujatha Mohan
Album: Thiruvona Kaineetam
Music: Vidyasagar
6. Thiruvona Pularithan
This one from the Film Thiruvonam takes you down memory lane so you relive simplicity and elegance. Tap into this beautiful song and let your kids listen to the old tracks of Onam. Or you can have a nostalgic moment yourself. We couldn’t help but include this song in the list because of its peaceful flute tunes and mesmerising voice by Vani Jairam. This song penned by Sreekumaran Thampi is going to be a hit forever when it comes to Onam songs. It’s a classic Malayalam melody.
Lyrics: Sreekumaran Thampi
Music: MK Arjunan
7.Onapoove Poove Omal Poove – Ee Ganam Marakkumo
Onapoove Poove Omal Poove song featuring actor Prem Nazir (Gopi) from the 1978 movie Ee Ganam Marakkumo is a mellifluous song that brings us the adorable Onam childhood memories. This flick was directed by N.Sankaran Nair and produced by Adoor Manikantan and Adoor Padmakumar.
Singer: KJ Yesudas
Lyrics: ONV Kurup
Music: Salil Chowdhury
8. Omanathinkalin Onam
This lullaby should be heard at least once in ten days. Play it during serene evenings and enjoy it with your family. The song is sung by KJ Yesudas and P Susheela and belongs to the hit film Thulabharam. This evergreen song will add to the joyful feeling of Onam.
Music: G. Devarajan
Lyrics: Vayalar
Producer: Hari Pothan
9. Poovili Poovili – K J Yesudas
Poovili Poovili is a musical entertainer that captures the essence of Kerala’s biggest harvest festival, Onam. Featuring Vidhubala and Prem Nazir, this famous song was crooned by K. J. Yesudas from the movie, Vishukkani in 1997. The best part about the song is that the lyricist penned and recorded this sweet-toned song in a few minutes, which later turned into the biggest hit.
Singers: K. J. Yesudas
Lyrics: Sreekumaran Thampi
Music: Salil Chowdhary
10. Kuttanadan Punjayile – K J Yesudas
A popular song for the Onam occasion, Kuttanadan Punjayile, gives a nostalgic moment for every Malayali out there. This track is one of the biggest highlights of the film Kaavalam Chundan, directed by J. Sasikumar.
The updated version of this song was sung by Vidya Vox, a famous American YouTuber and singer.
Singer: K J Yesudas
Lyrics: Vayalar
Music: G. Devarajan
11.Thiruvona Ponnunjal – Sreekanth Hariharan
Thiruvona Ponnunjal is one of the most popular Onam songs in Malayalam that brings all the mallus together during this festive season. This song is sung by Sreekanth Hariharan, a playback singer with many hit songs on his list. You can add this evergreen Onam song to your music playlist, listen, and cherish the good olden memories.
Singer: Sreekanth Hariharan
Lyrics: Anu Elizabeth Jose
Music: Sajna Vinish
12. Happy Onam
The song “Kattil Aadum Happy Onam” has gained a spot on our list of top Onam songs due to its harmonious music and lyrics. Ambili sang this song under the Ranjini Creations. In a short span, it has become the most-played Onam song during the festival season.
Singer: Ambili
Lyrics and Music: T K Layan
13. Maveli Thampuraan – Ashtabandham
“Maveli Thampuraan” from Ashtabandham is a famous folk song about Onam, released in 1986, and directed by Askar. You will surely fall in love with this beautiful festival theme song by Yesudas and Ashalatha.
Singers : K J Yesudas and Ashalatha
Lyrics: Chovvalloor Krishnankutty
Music: O V Abdulla
14. Thiruvaavaniraavu
Want to indulge in some melodious beats for Onam? This is your song from Jacobinte Swargarajyam as it will give you a perfect sense of a family celebration mood. Nothing better than ‘Thiruvaavaniraavu’ for you to bring everyone together and have a blast. The song by Unni Menon, Sithara and Meera Scharma is so beautiful…
Lyrics: Manu Manjith
Music: Shaan Rahman
15. Onam Onam
We’d like to end our list with a dance beat from the movie Ra Ra Krishnayya. It’s a perfect South Indian fun song and will surely get the kids in your home on their feet as soon as the song starts. Why not have a blast altogether? Forget your worries and simply shake a leg to the tunes of Onam Onam Onam Onam directed by P. Mahesh Babu with the energetic vocals of Chinmayee and Achu.
Lyrics: Shree Mani
16. Mavelikkalayude Naattile
This is a classic Onam song that captures the essence of Kerala’s rich traditions. The lyrics beautifully describe the arrival of King Mahabali and the joy of the festival. Its soothing melody and meaningful lyrics make it a perfect fit for the festive season.
Singer: K. J. Yesudas
Music: G. Devarajan
Lyrics: Vayalar
17. Uthrada Poonilave Vaa
A soulful song that reflects the serene and festive atmosphere of Onam. The soft melody and gentle vocals are perfect for a quiet moment during the celebrations, making it a timeless piece for any Onam playlist.
Singer: K. J. Yesudas
Music: K. J. Yesudas
Lyrics: K.J. Yesudas
18. Onam Vanne Varavayi
This song is known for its upbeat rhythm and joyful lyrics, making it ideal for bringing the festive spirit alive. It’s a vibrant and lively track that will surely get everyone in the mood to celebrate.
Singers: Bichu Thirumala, P Jayachandran, Ambili, KP Chandramohan >
Music: MS Viswanathan
Lyricist: Bichu Thirumala
Final Thoughts
So that was our list of the greatest Onam songs. Comment and let us know which ones you always play on Onam. Make the 10 days of Onam full of fun, laughter, and joy – just like the Onam spirit. Play nostalgic and new tunes to commemorate the occasion.
