*Onam is great festival Kerala state Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala, in southern India. It's the biggest festival of the year there. People start the day with creating their floral decorations on the ground in front of their houses. The floral decorations (pookalams) continue during the 10 day lead up to Onam, and pookalam competitions are organized by various organizations. In 2013, the most important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) is on Monday September 16. Rituals commence 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham. The state government celebrates Tourism Week in Kerala during Onam. Much of Kerala's culture is showcased during the festivities. The festival is also celebrated with new clothes, feasts served on banana leaves, dancing, sports, games, and snake boat races. It’s very colorful days. A lot of cooking takes place during Onam, with the highlight being a grand feast called Ona Sadya. It's served on the main Onam day. The cuisine is elaborate and varied The Stories Behind the Onam Festival A long long time ago, a king called Mavali ruled kerala . He was a wise, benevolent and judicious ruler and beloved of his subjects. At that time everyone was equal and everyone will happy with the same things and no poverty and get justice right way, but when He extended his rule to the heavens and the netherworld, the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali's powers. Vishnu transformed himself into a dwarf called Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked for alms. The king in his pride asked the Brahmin what he wanted for he could give anything. Vamana asked for three paces of land and the king agreed Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as the last step Mahabali, who was a man of principles, realized God's purpose and offered his head for Vamana's footstep, as he was sent to another world. This fatal step proved a blessing in disguise for the good king — the foot salvaged and released him from the recurrent cycle of birth and death. That is why Onam is celebrated by wearing new clothes and resolving to lead a new life of truth, piety, love, and humility. The Kerala people become ready to accept the king Mavali visits Kerala and prepare their homes and it’s become Kerala’s big festival and make a nice food on that days , and they celebrated by sing a song, dancing then many entertainment.
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