Onam the national festival of Kerala

It is celebrated to honour the kind-hearted and much-beloved demon King Mahabali, who is believed to Onam festival is celebrated to honour the kind-hearted and much-beloved demon King Mahabali, who is believed to return to Kerala during this festival. According to Vaishnava mythology, King Mahabali defeated the Gods  (the Deavas) and began ruling over the entire world. King Mahabali was a demon king who belonged to the Asura tribe.

Lord Vishnu took on his fifth avatar, in the form of the Brahmin dwarf Vamana, and paid a visit to King Mahabali. King Mahabali asked Vamana what he wished for, to which Vamana responded, “three pieces of land”. When Vamana was granted his wish, he grew in size and in his first and second foot he covered the entire world.

When Lord Vishnu was about to take his third step, King Mahabali offered his own head to the God. This act impressed Lord Vishnu so much that he granted Mahabali the right to visit his kingdom and people every year during Onam festivities

Off late the importance of the mith behind Onam has been focused on the equality, transparency and commitment to the people by the Emperor. This is being commemorated during this festival. The annual visit of the Emperor, Onam, is also a harvest festival that falls in the months of August/September annually, is celebrated across the world, and is main festival among Keralites without giving any importance to the cast, creed, region or religion!

Happy Onam to you all

SK. Nair

Bangalore