Onam is one of the most auspicious and vibrant harvest festival celebrated in the ‘Gods own country’, Kerala. Onam is celebrated on Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, under Shravana Nakshatra. This year it falls on 15 September, 2024. The festivals marks the return of the King Mahabali. It simultaneously also marks the beginning of a new and fresh year for the people of Kerala.According to the Hindu legends, after Indra is defeated by King Mahabali, the devas ultimately seek refuge in Vishnu, who agrees to restore Indra to power. To do so, Vishnu incarnates as a dwarf priest called Vamana and requests only three feet (steps) of land to build a fire-altar. Mahabali agrees. Vamana grows in size, and in three strides, encompasses all of the universe and beyond. The three worlds are restored to Indra, and Mahabali and the asuras are banished to the netherworld. However, witnessing Mahabali’s love for his subjects, Vamana grants the king’s sole wish to visit his kingdom once every year. As per traditional, women often get dressed in white-golden kasavu sarees, Onam sadhya is prepared and Pookalam rangolis (floral rangolis) are made outside home. This flower rangoli, or pookalam, is considered a symbol of good fortune. It is a festival filled with cultural traditions, family gatherings, and festive joy, observed by all communities in Kerala, regardless of religion.