Planning to celebrate the Onam Festival and need leave from the office? This guide will help you. With millions of people participating each year – Onam is a major event for many. To make sure your leave request is approved – it’s important to write a clear and professional leave letter. In this blog, we’ll show you how to create an effective leave letter for Onam Festival. You’ll find easy tips, samples, and practical advice to help you request Onam leave from the office.
Let’s get started!
About Onam Festival
Onam is a lively festival celebrated in Kerala, India – to mark the harvest season and honour King Mahabali. Held every year between August and September – it lasts for ten days. The festival is known for its vibrant activities, such as – traditional dances, boat races, and grand meals called Onasadya.
What is Onam Leave Application?
An Onam leave application is a formal request to your employer asking for time off to celebrate the Onam Festival. This letter includes the dates you wish to be absent from work and a brief reason for your leave. It’s important to write the application clearly and professionally to make sure your request is approved smoothly.
Why Should You Submit Onam Leave Application?
Submitting an Onam leave application guarantees that your absence is planned for and approved. It helps maintain professionalism and avoids disruptions at work. Here’s why it is important:
- Advance Planning: Allows your employer to prepare for your absence.
- Professionalism: Shows respect for company policies and procedures.
- Work Coverage: Helps arrange for tasks to be managed in your absence.
- Record Keeping: Provides official documentation of your leave request.
- Legal Compliance: Meets company and legal requirements for leave.
When to Submit Leave Letter for Onam Festival?
It’s best to submit your Onam leave request letter at least two to three weeks in advance. This gives your employer enough time to plan for your absence and make necessary arrangements. Early submission also increases the chances of your request being approved, especially if multiple employees are planning to take time off for the festival.
How to Write Leave Letter for Onam Festival?
Writing a leave letter for Onam festival involves a few key steps to make sure it is clear, respectful, and professional. Here’s a detailed guide with examples:
- Step1: Start with a Proper Greeting
Begin your Onam leave letter with a respectful greeting to create a positive and polite tone. This sets the right tone from the beginning and shows that you are serious about your request.
Example:
“Dear Mr. Sharma” or “Respected Sir/Madam,”
- Step 2: State the Purpose Clearly
When asking leave for Onam festival – clearly state the purpose of your letter in the opening sentence. Mention that you are requesting leave specifically for the Onam Festival. Also, include the exact dates you are requesting for your leave.
Example:
“I am writing to request leave from September 6th to September 8th to celebrate the Onam Festival with my family. This is an important cultural event for us, and I hope to be with them during this time.”
- Step 3: Explain the Reason Briefly
Provide a brief explanation for your leave request. Mention why the Onam Festival is important to you, such as spending time with family or participating in traditional celebrations. Avoid lengthy details; a few sentences are enough.
Example:
“Onam is a significant festival for my family, and it is a time when we come together to celebrate our traditions. I would like to be home during these days to take part in these family gatherings and cultural events.”
- Step 4: Offer to Assist Before Leave
Show your responsibility by mentioning that you are willing to complete any pending tasks or assist in making arrangements before your leave begins. This reassures your employer that your absence will not disrupt the workflow.
Example:
“I will make sure that all my current tasks and responsibilities are completed before my leave starts. If needed, I am also willing to train a colleague to handle any urgent matters that may arise during my absence.”
- Step 5: Request Approval Politely
Politely ask for approval of your leave request. Use courteous language to show respect for your employer’s decision-making authority. Express gratitude in advance to convey appreciation for their consideration.
Example:
“I kindly request your approval for these dates and would be thankful if you could consider my request. Your understanding in this matter would mean a lot to me.”
- Step 6: End with Thanks and Contact Information
Conclude your Onam leave letter by thanking your employer for considering your request. Provide your contact details, such as your phone number or email – in case they need to reach you while you are away.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my leave request. I will remain available on my phone and email should you need to contact me during my leave days.”
- Step 7: Sign Off Properly
Close the letter with a polite and formal ending. Use phrases like “Sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” or “Regards,” followed by your full name.
Example:
“Sincerely,
Anita Nair”
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Onam Leave Request Letter Format
Use this format to draft a professional leave request email for the Onam Festival.
Subject: [Your Subject Here]
Dear [Recipient’s Name]/Respected Sir/Madam,
Paragraph 1:
Introduction stating the purpose of the email and the specific dates for the leave request.
Paragraph 2:
A brief explanation of the reason for the leave.
Paragraph 3:
Offer to complete pending tasks and ensure a smooth workflow in your absence.
Paragraph 4:
A polite request for approval and expression of thanks.
Sincerely/Yours faithfully/Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
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Samples of Onam Leave Letter
Here are a few Onam festival leave request samples you can use to get started:
Sample 1 : Simple Leave Letter for Onam Celebration
If you want to write an Onam leave letter – here’s a standard sample you can use.
Subject: Leave Request for Onam Festival
Dear Mr. Sharma,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request leave from September 6th to September 8th to celebrate the Onam Festival with my family in Kerala. Onam is a significant festival for us, and it is a time when we gather to celebrate our traditions and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
I have planned to complete all my ongoing tasks and guarantee that everything is in order before my leave begins. I have also briefed my colleague, Anjali, about my current projects to handle any urgent matters in my absence.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
Arjun Iyer
Software Engineer
XYZ Technologies
Sample 2 : Leave application for Onam celebration (Extended Leaves)
Here’s how to write an official leave application for Onam celebration, if you want extended holidays.
Subject: Request for Extended Leave for Onam Festival
When applying leave for Onam in office – you can use this standard sample.
Dear Ms. Verma,
I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to request an extended leave from September 4th to September 12th to fully celebrate the Onam Festival with my family. This period is important for us as it allows us to partake in various traditional activities and reconnect with our roots.
I assure you that I am working hard to complete all my current tasks. I have coordinated with my colleagues to handle any critical issues while I am away.
I truly appreciate your understanding and support in granting this extended leave.
Best regards,
Riya Menon
Project Manager
ABC Solutions
Sample 3 : Short Notice Leave application for Onam festival
If you want to write a short notice mail to manager for leave Onam 2025 – here’s a sample you can use.
Subject: Urgent Leave Request for Onam Festival
Dear Mr. Singh,
I am writing to request leave on short notice for September 7th and 8th to celebrate Onam. I apologize for the late notice, but I need this time off to attend family celebrations.
I will handle any urgent issues before my leave and am reachable by phone for any emergencies.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Regards,
Ravi K
IT Specialist
Tech Innovations Pvt Ltd
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Sample 4 : Onam holiday leave letter (One Day Leave)
Subject: One Day Leave Request for Onam Festival
Dear Ms. Rao,
I hope you are well. I am writing to request leave for September 8th to celebrate Onam with my family. Onam is a time of joy and tradition for us, and it is important for me to be present for the celebrations.
I have made sure that all my current work is up-to-date and have made arrangements for my tasks to be managed in my absence. I will also be available by phone for any urgent issues that may need my attention.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Sneha Reddy
QA Analyst
Epsilon Technologies
Sample 5 : Remote Work Request for Onam Festival
Subject: Request to Work Remotely During Onam Festival
Dear Mr. Gupta,
I am writing to request the option to work remotely from September 6th to September 8th due to the Onam Festival. I will be celebrating with my family but can continue working from home during this period.
Please let me know if this arrangement is feasible. I will remain fully accessible and ensure that all my tasks are completed on time.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Vikram Joshi
Senior Developer
Delta Systems Ltd
Tips to Ask for Onam Leaves
Here are some simple tips to help you ask for leave during the Onam Festival:
- Plan Early: Submit your leave request two to three weeks in advance.
- Be Clear: Clearly state the dates you need off and the reason for your leave.
- Talk in Person: If possible, speak to your manager before sending the email.
- Offer Help: Show readiness to complete tasks or help with work before leaving.
- Be Polite: Use polite language to show respect in your request.
- Follow-up: Check back if you don’t receive a response within a few days.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Leave Letter for Onam Festival
Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your leave request is approved:
- Missing Details: Don’t forget to mention the specific dates you need off.
- Being Vague: Avoid unclear reasons; be straightforward about why you need a leave.
- Forgetting to Thank: Always thank your employer for considering your request.
- Ignoring Company Policy: Don’t overlook your company’s leave policies or procedures.
- Neglecting Contact Information: Forgetting to provide your contact details for any follow-up.
- Overloading with Details: Avoid including excessive details or personal stories; keep it concise and relevant.
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Wrapping Up
That’s how you write a leave letter for Onam festival! With the right approach, you can easily get Onam leaves and enjoy the festival without any work-related worries. For those seeking new opportunities – check out Hirist, the job portal for IT professionals – offering top IT jobs in India and abroad.
FAQs
How many days leave for Onam?
Normally, leave for Onam ranges from one to three days – depending on your company’s policy.
Which states give holidays for Onam?
Onam is a public holiday in Kerala and some other states with significant Malayalee communities.
Do companies offer leaves for Onam?
Many companies offer leave for Onam, but it depends on company policies and your location.
Can you extend the leave applied for Onam?
Yes, you can request an extension, but it depends on your company’s approval and operational needs.
Do IT companies in India offer holiday for Onam?
IT companies in India may offer a holiday for Onam, especially if you work in Kerala or are part of the Malayalee workforce.