Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, who according to legend ruled the state once.
Kerala today celebrated Onam with traditional fervour and gaiety.
People in their best dresses offered prayers at temples while the day was marked by feast and festivities, including cultural programmes organised by various institutions. Flower mats known as Pookalam were also laid in houses.
Across Kerala, people enjoyed Sadhya, a special meal prepared today that is served on banana leaves.
Heavy rush was witnessed at temples, including at the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayappa at Sabarimala, Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur and Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple here.
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 calender month of Chingam when Lord Mahavishnu took his fifth avatar as Vamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to the netherworld.
According to legend, on Thiruvonam day the spirit of Mahabali visits the people of Kerala.