Monday, September 12, 2011

Onam - The State Festival of Kerela

Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated every year in the month of Aug -September for ten days. The festival also has a legend behind it. A very famous demon king, Mahabali, aroused so much of insecurity in the devas that they approached Lord Vishnu to find a solution for it. Lord Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf, appealed to the generous Mahabali to grant him as much of land as can be covered by his three footsteps. Once his wish was granted, Lord Vishnu took enormous size and covered the earth and heaven in two steps. Understanding that he was face to face with the lord, Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Lord Vishnu was pleased by his gesture and before pushing him into nether, he granted Mahabali's desire to visit his subjects once in a year.

Every year, during Onam, the people of Kerala gear up to greet their favourite king Mahabali. The entire state comes alive with celebrations - there are elephant processions, classical and folk dance performances, music recitals, cultural pageants, boat races and many more celebrations that keep up the festive mood.This year Onam was celebrated on 9th September 2011.

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