Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala.It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’ with great joy, to welcome king Mahabali. Each and

The legend says, that long ago, a noble king, Mahabali, ruled over the land. The king was so mighty and generous that all the Gods were jealous of him and Lord Indra feared that soon Mahabali would take his place. All the Gods went to Lord Vishnu and prayed to him, to end the reign of this demon king. Thus, Mahavishnu took his fifth avatar ,‘Vaamanavataar’(dwarf ) and went to Mahabali. Mahabali told Lord Vishnu that he can ask for anything. Lord Vishnu said that he wanted only 3 footsteps of land. Mahabali smiled and agreed to it.Mahavishnu grew in size and covered the entire Earth in his first step. In his second step, he covered the entire sky. He asked Mahabali where to keep his third step. Mahabali, now ,realizing who the dwarf was, very politely and gently asked him to keep his third step on Mahabali’s head. Thus, Mahabali was sent to the Paataal Lok( the underground world). Mahabali asked Lord Vishnu that he wanted to meet his people every year. Lord Vishnu granted him the wish. This day, when Mahabali visits Kerala, is celebrated as Onam.

The celebrations lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Each and every native of Kerala, regardless of his or her religion, celebrates Onam.

Every Onam, children with baskets go around plucking colourful flowers to decorate their homes and surroundings. People rise early to bathe in rivers and ponds and visit places of worship.

 As nature dons a new apparel after the monsoon rains, men, women and children wear new clothes -‘Onakkodi’ ,presented by the elders. Women clean their houses. Apart from plastering the walls of the houses and courtyards with cowdung, in the villages, young girls and boys weave flower patterns- ‘pukalam’- on the ground.
’Kaikottikali’ is a folk dance of Kerala , performed by women. They dance in circles ,weaving in and out, singing and clapping hands. The old and young go close to nature, as they swing on the ‘oonjals’. Vegetable markets become busy, thronged with people to prepare for the gala Onam feast.
Banana leaves hold rich, sumptuous items, including the typical Kerala ‘Payasam’ (sweet) to conclude. Playful exercises and games are a part of the observance of the festival. During Onam, the famed ‘vallamkali’ (boat race) is held in certain rivers and backwaters. These attract large crowds, including tourists. At night, there are many programmes of dance and recitals – classical and folk – against the backdrop of tall coconut, palms and rich tropical greenery.