Onam 2011 is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala.
Ranging from four days to ten days, all the activities during this season are centered around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and good food.
Being a harvest festival, it is time to thank God for the bountiful yield and enjoy the bounty of nature after a year of hard labour. Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake boat races.
Like many other religious festivals in India, Onam is celebrated by people of all religions . Women dress up in new saris and heavy jewelry and make elaborate and intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with colored rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of their homes.
The legendary king Mahabali is welcomed to his kingdom with all the reverence. Read more about Onam>>
It is believed that there once lived a wise and generous asura (demon) king, Mahabali. He was highly regarded by his
subjects and everybody was happy in in his kingdom.
Gods felt challenged with the growing popularity of Mahabali. They seeked help from Lord Vishnu who was worshiped by King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of a poor and dwarf Brahmin, called Vamana and came to the kingdom of Mahabali just after his morning prayers, when the King gave boons to the Brahmin. More>>
