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Onam is one of the oldest existing festivals of India.Onam is the national festival of Kerala celebrated during the month of August-September. The festival cherishes the memory of the legendary King Mahabali and his prosperous reign during which, perfect communal harmony and prosperity prevailed. King Mahabali's popularity was at its height and led to the envy of the Gods. This golden age ended when Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, expelled him from his throne to the world. But Mahabali was allowed to visit his dear subjects once in a year. He visits his Kingdom during the first Malayalam month of Chingam, an occasion that fills the whole state with joy and merriment.
Onam is also the harvest season. Nature is divinely beautiful and Kerala becomes lush green with the spring season. Flowers bloom in plenty and butterflies bring myriad rainbows of colors. People decorate their houses with `Onapookalam´ or floral arrangements on floor to welcome Mahabali. A grand lunch with 21 curries and three types of sweet porridges or `payasam´ are prepared and enjoyed with fervor. Songs in praise of Mahabali and his golden reign are sung along with 'Kaikottikali', a traditional dance performed by the virgin ladies of the household. Onam is celebrated as a ten daylong festival.
The decorating of houses with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch and songs in praise of the golden reign of the king, mark the ten daylong festivities. Major attractions of the Onam celebrations are the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula, and Kottayam.
There are many festivals celebrated in south India but some of the known festivals are:
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