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Onam is also the official festival of Kerala. In fact Onam festival is almost like a mini Republic Day.
The Tourism Department of Kerala organises the famous snake boat race (see Fairs and Festivals of Kerala) and various other pageants and events on Onam.


Punjab
India - Festivals - Onam Festival

Onam is the ten day harvest festival that heralds the home coming of the mythological king Mahabali. This is an ancient festival that is well grounded in tradition and is still devoutly followed by malayalis even in modern times. Also known as the rice festival or festival of rain flowers Onam is a yearly memorial of the Asura King Mahabhali who from Patalam (hell). This is one of the most revered celebrations as Mahabali rule in Kerala is also considered as the Golden age. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala is at its zenith or best during the ten day festival. According to mythology Mahabali rule as King was happy and prosperous time so much so that the God’s and Indra were particularly jealous of Mahabali and approach Vishnu stating that both approached Vishnu claiming that both Mahabali and Indra were equal to each other. Once Vishnu was convinced that Indra’ pride was contained and a world with two Indra’s meant imbalance assumed the dwarf Vamana. He approached Mahabali in his palace and asked him for three steps of land in which he could reside. Guru Sukrayacharya warned Mahabali against entertaining the wishes of Vamana, however contrary to the same granted his wish. Vamana grew so large that he was greater than the heavens and his single step could reach to even the abyss below. Mahabali was unable to fulfill his promise of three pace of land and hence he offered his head for the third step. Thus Vamana placed his foot on his head sent him down all the way to hell. However Lord Vishnu gave the good king the privilege of visiting his Kerala at time of harvest every year.

When is Onam celebrated- Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar (kollavarsham). However rituals for this feast begin with Attam that is celebrated ten days before the Thiru Onam. The ten days of Onam are celebrated as follows-


When is Onam Celebrated?

Onam is biggest celebration of the year as far as Malayalis are concerned. Spectacular celebrations take place in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur and Kottayam. The Government of Kerala also celebrates festival week of Onam as Tourism week.



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