Onam is kerala's national festival.Actually its a festival of harvest and happiness.Story behind onam is to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year.People will try to welcome with full happiness, well dressed and making good feat on ONAM day.
Also one important thing is that where we are we will try to reach in our home in that day and have a Family get together and share our happiness with paresnts and relatives bye giving new cloths and love.
A flower carpet called 'Pookalam' is laid in front of every house to welcome the advent of the vanquished king, and earthen mounds representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards.
Although this festival has its origin in Hindu mythology, Onam is for all people of all class and creed
