nam, Kerala’s main festival, fall in August or September, depending on the position of the stars.
According to legends, long ago a king and wise king, Mahabali ruled what is now kerala. His rule was considered as a golden era, and joy and prosperity overflowed. The gods grew very jealous of him, so they asked Lord Vishnu to help them.
Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a Brahmin boy called Vamana and came to Mahabali’s court. Vamana requested as much land as he could cover with three steps. Mahabali readily agreed to this request. Vamana then grew size, and with one foot, he measured the Heavens, with the next, the Earth. No land was left for the third step, so Mahabali humbly offered his own head, and placed Vamana’s foot on it. He was pushed down to the nether world, but was granted a boom. He could visit his subjects again once every year. Onam is the festival that celebrates his visit. For ten days a flower carpet called ‘pookalam’ is laid in front of every house to welcome the coming of the beloved king. Traditional rituals are performed followed by a lavish fest. It’s also the season of many cultural events, sports and carnivals.
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