Onam

One of the best known regional festivals of Kerala, Onam is celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of their caste or religion to celebrate the return of King Mahabali, the kind demon king who once ruled the land. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu decided to test King Mahabali's charitable nature and presented Himself as a poor child Brahmin known as 'Vaman' to the King and requested for three feet of land to live. The kind king was surprised but agreed to give the land from wherever he wishes. Vamana then began to grow and covered the whole earth by one foot and the heaven with his other foot. King Mahabali readily presented his head to place his third food to the extraordinary child. This won him the favor of Vishnu, who gave him the kingdom of Pathala and the boon to visit his kingdom Kerala once in a year to see his people at Onam.

The festival is ten-day long and falls in the month of Chingam (according to the Malayalam calendar) and is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. People decorate their homes with fresh flower mats known as 'Pookalam' to welcome the King Mahabali. They wear new dresses; visit the temples to offer their prayers to the Gods and performing traditional dances such as Thiruvathirakali and Thumbi Tullal. There is a grand lunch called 'Sandhya' on the Thiuruvonam, the fourth day of Onam, which is considered very important and absolutely essential. The ten days are meant for feasting, boat races, songs, dances and merriment to welcome their king. Sumptuous home-cooked meals served on plantain leaf and the sweet Payasam are the most common delicacies that are served during Onam. There are processions of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and Kathakali dancers. Many cultural and sport events and carnivals are organized during the season.