Onam is the annual harvest festival of Kerala. Celebrated for 10 days. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated in the months of August-September which fall in the month of Chingam. Malayalis around the world celebrate the festival. This year, it started on August 22 and will end on August 31.
According to Hindu scriptures, this day is the annual return of the famous King Mahabali – a grandson of Prahlada. It is the first four days of the festival. The first Onam or Uthraadam, is believed to be the Onam eve. This is the day when, many believe, King Mahabali returns to Kerala. On the second day, it is believed that King Mahabali visited the homes of the people in Thiruvonam. Preparations for his departure begin on the third day. The fourth day is considered Sri Narayana Guru Jayanthi. In the days that follow, the post-Onam celebrations continue.
Onam celebrates the return of the legendary demon king Mahabali. Mahalab was a demon but was known for being kind and good-hearted. The gods were not very confident in the popularity of the king of demons and so they asked King Vishnu for help. As Mahabali worshiped King Vishnu, Vishnu told the gods that he would help them but that he was not involved in the war with Mahabali.
King Vishnu was transformed into a poor Brahmin man called Vamana and went to the kingdoms of Mahabali, asking for three desires. He asked for Mahabali’s place over a piece of land measuring ‘three steps’. Mahabali agreed to fulfill Vamana’s request.
Her are some onam wishes to share with your friends and family.
Amazing picture quality.