Onam on Answers!
You could call it one of the most colourful festivals from the South of India. And the most fun. It certainly is the biggest festival in the state of Kerala.
Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali beloved of all his subjects.
In pre-historic times, it is said that Mahabali was such an excellent ruler that the Gods in the Indian pantheon particularly King Indra felt insecure about his rising popularity and prosperity. The Gods begged Lord Vishnu to kill Mahabali who appeared in his Brahmin dwarf (the Vamana) avatar and begged for alms from this great king and tricked him to the underworld.
Photo courtesy: Shantih on Flickr.
But the Lord Vishnu also blessed Mahabali as he was one of Vishnu’s greatest devotees. Hence Mahabali is allowed to visit his people in Kerala on an annual basis.
The festival lasts for ten days.
Characteristic Onam celebrations include the traditional pookolams (intricate flower carpets), the Onam sadya (an elaborate banquet lunch), Vallamkali (snake boat races) and kaikottikkali (dances that women of the house-hold indulge in) during the ten day festival.
Photo courtesy: George Augustin e on Flickr.
Photo courtesy: Arun Kumar Sinha on Flickr.
What makes this festival truly unique is how it brings about secular sentiments within the state. Although the festival of Onam originated as a Hindu festival, all communities in Kerala including Muslims and Christians celebrate Onam with equal fervour.
Needless to say, we couldn’t let this festival pass by without any comment. I’m sure most Indians have a favourite memory associated with this festival.
What is your most favourite Onam memory?
Answer us or leave us a comment here.
Photo courtesy: Raj_nair81 on Flickr
And of course, Happy Onam! 
Bhumika Anand
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Please give me you suggestions about my future how can i ask you questions?
Onam(Thiruvonam=Sraavanam)-the Kerala Festival is very unique in the sense all communities-Kerala Hindus,Muslims and Christians(I think even Kerala Jews) celeberate this festival with enthusiasm.
All over India Sraavana Poornima(when the Full moon is in the constellation of Sraavanam-Thiruvonam sri.Vishnu’s Star) is celeberated in one form or the other-Raksha Bhandanam–Aavani Avittam(Avittam is one star after Thiruvonam)–very happy ONAM
Happy Onam 2 all !!!
good post
Happy Onam. I remember my school days in cochi when puklam competition took place during onam we children used collect flowers a day advance. Our teachers put up their creativity n our help to make it successful.