Talking about Kerala festival and not mentioning Onam is simply not done. Onam being the biggest festival in Kerala, most people prefer planning their vacation at this point of time. What can be a better way to plan your Kerala backwater vacation than gazing the remarkable flower carpets, munching on the sumptuous cuisine and making the most of the traditional thiruvathirakali dance performance?
This Kerala festival is celebrated to mark respect to King Mahabali, the prominent ruler of Kerala known for is goodness and justice. As per legend, his subjects lived in harmony and peace during his reign. In fact, their love for the King even made the Gods jealous of him. In spite of being from the race of demons, the King left no stone unturned to keep his subjects happy. He had overpowered the sea and land of heavens, thereby increasing the cause of stress amongst the Gods and goddesses. Tired of his power, the Gods requested Lord Vishnu to take up the needed step. Vishnu convinced of their problems, came down to earth in disguise of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. He went to the King’s palace and found him distributing alms to his subjects. When Vamana’s turn came, the king asked him about his desire. At this juncture, Vishnu came up with a strange desire. He replied that he is keen on taking as much of land as his three footsteps could make up for. The king noticing his tiny feet agreed to his desire without a second’s thought. Lord Vishnu covered the seas and land with one step and the heaven with the other. The king soon realized the presence of the Almighty and put forward his head instead of the ground for the third step. This how the king put end to his life for the sake of his people. Even today, the people recall this great act of his and celebrate Onam to welcome Mahabali, who is believed to visit earth every year to check whether his subjects are residing in perfect peace and harmony or not.
Onam, the popular Kerala festival is celebrated with great pomp and glory in the month of August or September. The essence of this festival is felt much before with people exchanging gifts, houses being cleaned, decorations being made at the courtyards and houses and much more. Oil lamps are lit in the backyard and women are dressed in traditional saris. What adds to the appeal of this festival is grand feast that is hosted at lunchtime. Besides, a number of cultural events are also organized followed by snake boat races, musical performances and dance recitals.
So, to make the most of your Kerala backwater tour, make sure to plan your travel during the festival of Onam.
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