Onam is a ten-day harvest festival celebrated by Malayalees from the state of Kerala. The festival falls in the month of Chingam of the Malayalee calendar – that coincides with the months of August-September. The 10 days begin with Atham on the first day and end with the most important day of Thiruvonam. Major cultural bonanzas take place all over Kerala. Celebrations include boat races (vallamkali – in traditional war boats that date back to 500 years), tiger or leopard dances (pulikali), elaborate rangoli with flowers (pookalams), tug-of-war, classical dance (by Theyyam performers who are considered as the direct connection to the Gods) and martial arts performances, folk songs, and dances (popular among them being the kummati kali).

According to tradition Onam marks the homecoming of the beloved and popular demon King Mahabali. He was the great-great-grandson of Sage Kashyapa, and the grandson of Vishnu devotee Prahlada. King Mahabali defeated the Gods and took charge of the three worlds. His reign was considered the golden age as there was no poverty and people lived without caste or religious discrimination. He is known for his generosity as one who fulfills all the wishes of his people. He was generous and kind, and his fame spread over the 3 worlds threatened the Gods. Lord Vishnu offers to help contain the Mahabali.

Vishnu takes on the avatar of a poor Brahmin dwarf called Vamana. This is the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Vamana approaches the King Mahabali and askes for 3 paces of land. The King is baffled and lets the poor boy know that he can offer much more than that – gold, cows, food, villages. But Vamana says that one must not ask for more than ones needs – and that all that he needed was the 3 paces.

The generous king agrees. As he offers the 3 paces the dwarf Brahmin begins to grow into a huge giant. In 2 paces covers all the whole kingdom of the King. For the third pace there is no place was left. Then the King Mahabali offers his head for Vamana to place his third step. Lord Vishnu is impressed by the devotion of the King Mahabali and he grants him the wish to return to earth once a year. The beloved King returns to visit his people and his kingdom during Onam.

The highlight of the Onam festival is the huge vegetarian feast called Onam Sadya. This is served on the last day of the festival. It is served on plantain leaves and consists of 9 courses and can include up to 30 dishes!