Onam is an annual Indian harvest and cultural festival related to Hinduism celebrated mostly by the people of Kerala. It is the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala and is marked by happiness, excitement, and enjoyment among all sections of people. The festival usually falls between August and September and is celebrated for ten days. The festival commemorates King Mahabali and Vamana. According to Hindu legends, Onam is celebrated in Kerala in remembrance of the good governance under the rule of daitya king Mahabali, a mythical king. The legend holds that King Mahabali was a generous and virtuous ruler who had once ruled Kerala. During his rule, the kingdom became so prosperous that devas (gods of the Heaven) felt jealous about this and also for the reason that King Mahabali was an asura - a member of the demon clan - who were the enemies of devas. So, they sent Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana (a dwarf) to King Mahabali. As an offering from the generous king, Vamana requested Mahabali for three feet of land. And at the time of measuring the three feet of land, Vamana grew so huge that he measured all the worlds in two steps. Since he had nowhere else to place his third step, Mahabali asked Vamana to place it on his head, which Vamana did, thus sending Mahabali to the underworld. However, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabalis wish to visit his people once a year, and that is celebrated as Onam.
Some highlights of the festival include:
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Pookkalam: Families make floral decorations called pookkalam that are placed on the ground in front of their houses to welcome King Mahabali.
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Onam Sadhya: The main food eaten during the celebration is the Onam Sadhya, a vegetarian meal comprising of many traditional dishes served on a banana leaf.
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Athachamayam Festival: This festival is held on the first day of Onam and features a street parade with various traditional art including music, dance, carnival floats, and decorated elephants.
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Other Observances: Other observances during the festival include Sadya, Thiruvathira Kali, Puli Kali, Ona-thallu, Thrikkakarayappan, Onathappan, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, and Vallamkali.
