What is the Story Behind Onam?

In India, every festival is associated with a mythological story, and Onam is no different.

The story goes that there was a powerful demon king named Mahabali who took great care of his people. Because of this, his subjects revered him like a god. Once, Lord Vishnu visited King Mahabali in disguise and asked for three promises.

To fulfill these promises, King Mahabali had to go to the underworld, which made his people very sad. Seeing their love and devotion for the king, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali the boon to visit his people once a year. Since then, Onam has been celebrated every year to welcome King Mahabali.

Onam in Kerala

Onam holds a special place in the hearts of people in Kerala, giving the state a unique identity. The people of Kerala eagerly await this festival all year long. Once the date for Onam is set, preparations begin days in advance.

During this ten-day festival, Keralites decorate their homes with flowers, reflecting Kerala's reputation for greenery and beauty. They create a lush, natural ambiance by adorning their homes with vibrant floral arrangements.

People from various places come to enjoy the festival. Elephants are beautifully decorated for processions, and people dance, sing, and play music to celebrate.

Women wear colorful sarees decorated with intricate patterns and participate in traditional dances. A clay figurine representing King Mahabali is placed in front of homes, adorned with sandalwood and vermilion.

In the courtyards, flowers are arranged in circular patterns. During Onam, Kerala is painted in a splendid array of colors, and each home's decoration is exceptionally beautiful, captivating everyone who sees it.