Women make 'pookalam' or floral art on Onam in Kerala
Traditional fervour and gaiety marked the celebration of Onam festival in Kerala today. People in their new attires visited temples and offered prayers early in the morning.
All major temples, including the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayappa at Sabarimala, Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayour and Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a heavy rush of devotees.
Hotels and homes across the state were decked with floral decorations as family members and close friends came together for the Sadhya, a lunch feast that traditionally marks the end of the 10-day long festival.
Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, who according to legend ruled the state once, under whom the people were equal, prosperous and happy.
People believe that it was on this particular day of Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam that Lord Mahavishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and then sent him to nether world.
According to legends, on Thiruvonam day, the spirit of King Mahabali visits the people of Kerala. Hence the day is marked by feast and festivities.
At the Shri Chitra home for the underprivileged in Thriruvananthapuram, the scene is no different. Nearly 285 excited children enjoying the swings, traditional Onam songs and the Sadhya on banana leaves.
As activist Rahul Eashwar says, "It's almost like a 'national' festival of Kerala, where everyone comes together and the only festival where an Asura King, Mahabali gains more prominence than the gods."