The Hindu legend of Onam

Onam is a traditional Hindu harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala and other places where the Malayalam language is spoken. It is celebrated with numerous celebrations, such as boat races, tiger dances and floral arrangements.

Here is the traditional association of legends with the Onam festival.

Return to the home of King Mahabali
Long ago, an Asura (demon) king called Mahabali ruled Kerala. He was a wise, benevolent and judicious ruler and loved by his subjects. Soon his fame as a skilled king began to spread far and wide, but when he extended his dominion to the heavens and the underworld, the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers.

Assuming that it might become too powerful, Aditi, Devas' mother pleaded with Lord Vishnu to limit Mahabali's powers. Vishnu turned into a dwarf named Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked Mahabli to beg. Satisfied with the wisdom of the dwarf Brahmin, Mahabali granted him a wish.

The emperor's tutor, Sukracharya warned him not to give the gift, as he realized that the seeker was not an ordinary person. But the Emperor's royal ego was encouraged to think that God had asked him for a favor. Then he firmly declared that there is no greater sin than returning to one's promise. Mahabali kept his word and granted Vamana his wish.

La Vamana asked for a simple gift - three steps of land - and the king accepted. Vamana - who was Vishnu in the guise of one of his ten avatars - then increased his stature and with the first step he covered the sky, erasing the stars and with the second, astride the infernal world. Realizing that Vamana's third step would destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as a sacrifice to save the world.

Vishnu's third fatal step pushed Mahabali into the underworld, but before banishing him to the underworld, Vishnu gave him an advantage. Since the emperor was devoted to his kingdom and his people, Mahabali was allowed to return once a year from exile.

What does Onam commemorate?
According to this legend, Onam is the celebration that marks the annual return home of King Mahabali from the underworld. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays glorious homage to the memory of this benign king who gave everything for his subjects.