Onam is celebrated in Kerala to commemorate the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was a benevolent and virtuous king who once ruled Kerala and brought prosperity and happiness to his people. However, due to his growing power, the gods grew jealous and Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf, to curb Mahabali's influence. After Mahabali generously granted Vamana's request for three feet of land, Vishnu expanded to cover all the universe in three steps, banishing Mahabali to the netherworld. Pleased by Mahabali's devotion and love for his subjects, Vishnu granted him the boon to visit his kingdom once a year. This annual homecoming is celebrated as Onam. Besides the mythological significance, Onam is also a harvest festival celebrated with joy and gratitude for agricultural abundance in Kerala. It is a time for families and communities to come together with cultural performances, feasts (Onasadya), and traditional events, highlighting Kerala's rich heritage and social inclusivity. The festival lasts for ten days and falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September).
