Onam is festival of happiness ,Unity and harmony.As per the Malayalam calendar,the festival is celebrated in the first month of Chingam,which overlaps with August-September in the Gregorian Calendar.Government declared 'Onam' as National festival of Kerala in 1961.Onam is celebrated every year in honor their favourite King's arrival at Kerala.People make a lot of arrangements to welcome the King 'Mahabali'.
*LEGENDS
There are a lot legends in connection with Onam.One of the legends is that Onam is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of King Mahabali from Pathala.The Story goes that the demon King Mahabali who ruled in Kerala was loved by all for his generosity and Kindness.This threatened the Gods and they sought Lord Vishnu's help who disguised himself as a Poor Brahmin and headed to Kerala.He asked the King to give him land that can be covered within 3 feet and Mahabali granted his wish.Soon,the Brahmin started to grow in Size and Covered the Sky and Earth with his first Step and Second Step.Before he could take his third step,the King offered his head for the last Step which led him to Patala.Hence,The King was granted a blessing for his good deeds to visit his people once every year.Onam marks the day of his Annual Visit to Earth.
*POOKKALAM(Traditional Floral Carpet)
It is one of the main attractions of the festival.Making Pookkalam is a tradition followed by people of Kerala, during the ten days of the festival.This is done to welcome their benevolent King Mahabali,as his visits Kerala every year on Onam,to enquire about their well-being.
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