What is Onam

Onam is the most important festival in the South Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Onam is called the national festival of kerala

Story tells that during the period of King Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. But Mahabali was sent to another world by Vamana an incarnation of lord Vishnu because of gods envy on his popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted his wish to visit his land once in a year. The day which Mahabali visited kerala is celebrated as onam.Onam 2011 is on 09 September