Celebrate Onam 2025: Festive Cheer Meets Smart Financial Planning

Posted on Friday, August 29th, 2025 | By IndusInd Bank

Picture this: the aroma of freshly fried banana chips wafting through the house, the colourful pookalam ready at the doorstep, and the whole family gathered for the first sadhya of the season. Onam isn’t just a festival in Kerala—it’s a feeling of togetherness, prosperity, and renewal. As the boat races begin and homes light up with festivities, many of us also find ourselves looking at the month’s expenses with a small sigh. New clothes, festive treats, gifts for loved ones—these little joys do add up.

So, how do you enjoy the celebrations without worrying about overspending? With a little planning and a few smart financial habits, you can make this Onam truly stress-free, both for your heart and your wallet.

Let’s look at some practical ways to keep your celebrations abundant yet balanced.

1. Budget for the Festivities

Before the rush of last-minute shopping kicks in, sit down with a cup of tea and jot down what you plan to spend on—clothes, home decor, gifts, feasts, travel. You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet; even a simple list can do wonders.

• Set a comfortable budget: Pick a number that lets you celebrate wholeheartedly without dipping into your emergency funds.
• Give every rupee a role: Allocate portions of this budget to different needs—groceries, décor, entertainment, and so on.
• Keep a small buffer: Festivals always bring a surprise expense or two, whether it’s an unexpected guest or an irresistible offer.

A little planning now means fewer surprises later—and a lot more joy when the festival week arrives.

2. Choose Meaningful Gifts over Costly Ones

Gifting is a big part of Onam, but expensive isn’t always memorable. Instead of splurging on high-ticket items, think about gifts that carry meaning.

• Handwritten notes with small tokens: A heartfelt message can mean more than a pricey gadget.
• Local artisanal goods: Support small businesses by picking up traditional crafts or home-made sweets.
• Experience-based gifts: Plan a family outing or a simple lunch together instead of adding another item to someone’s shelf.

When you shift the focus from price tags to thoughtfulness, your gifts not only cost less but also leave a warmer mark.

3. Use Your Savings Account Smartly

Did you know your regular savings account can do more than just hold your money? It can help you manage your festive spending without breaking a sweat.

• Track your expenses in one place: Make all festive payments through your account to easily monitor what’s going where.
• Look out for special festive offers: Many banks partner with merchants during the festive season, offering cashback or discounts.
• Use digital banking tools: From quick transfers to instant balance checks, online features help you stay in control even on the busiest shopping days.

If you already have a savings account, consider using it as your dedicated “Onam spending wallet” this season.

4. Make the Most of Fixed Deposits for Future Celebrations

While you’re enjoying this year’s celebrations, it’s not too early to think ahead. Festivals come around every year, and planning for them early can be surprisingly simple.

• Set aside a fixed amount now: Even a small deposit can grow by the time the next Onam arrives.
• Pick a flexible tenure: Banks often let you choose durations that match your future plans.
• Keep it separate from your emergency funds: This way, your festival budget stays untouched for other needs.

This isn’t about investing for big gains; it’s about creating a little festive nest egg that grows quietly while you go about your life.

5. Celebrate Without Credit Stress

It’s tempting to swipe the card for every little thing during the season. But high-interest debt can turn a joyful celebration into a burden that lingers long after the pookalam has faded.

• Use your credit card for rewards, not reliance: If your card offers festive points or cashback, great—but clear the dues quickly.
• Avoid multiple loans or buy-now-pay-later traps: Unless it’s planned well, deferred payments can pile up fast.
• Pay as you go where possible: Sometimes, the old-fashioned way—spend only what you have—works best.

Remember, Onam is about plenty, not pressure.

6. Build Memories, Not Just Expenses

The essence of Onam isn’t in how much you spend—it’s in how deeply you connect. This year, why not focus on experiences that cost little but mean a lot?

• Organise a simple pookalam competition with your neighbours.
• Volunteer as a family at a local community event.
• Cook a part of the sadhya together instead of outsourcing it all.

These are the memories that will linger longer than the receipts.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Financial planning for festivals isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about creating room for joy without lingering stress. Whether it’s setting up a simple savings habit, using your banking tools more effectively, or rethinking how you gift, each small step adds up to a more fulfilling celebration.

So, as you welcome King Mahabali this year, take a moment to welcome financial mindfulness into your home too. It doesn’t take much, and the rewards—peace of mind, more meaningful celebrations, and a little extra left in your account—are worth it.

May this Onam bring you abundant joy and lasting financial well-being.