Onam

Onam () is an annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival celebrated mostly by the people of Kerala and is traditionally associated with the legend of the benevolent Asura King Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.

Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada, and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. There are many versions of his legend in ancient texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shatapatha Brahmana, and many Puranas. According to Hindu literature, he was blessed to be one of the Chiranjivi, a group of seven immortals, by Vamana avatar of god Vishnu and reigns in Sutala loka.

thumb|Traditional Kerala sadya

recreational folk art from the state of Kerala

calendar used in the Indian state of Kerala

traditional boat race in Kerala, India

thumb|right|Kummattikalli performers moving house to house in Thrissur. Kummattikali or Kummatti Kali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, prevalent in Thrissur District, Palakkad District and parts of South Malabar. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people. Kummatti dances are rampant in the Thrissur district during Onam. Pristine or original form of Kummattikali can be seen in the Bhadrakali temple in Palakkad district.

building in India

festival in Kerala