Cutting across caste, class and religious barriers homes were decorated with floral carpets to welcome the annual re-visit of Mahabali.
Keralites today celebrated Onam, their spring festival commemorating the egalitarian Utopia under the reign of mythical King Mahabali when people lived in plenty, prosperity and equality.
Cutting across caste, class and religious barriers homes were decorated with floral carpets to welcome the annual re-visit of Mahabali.
The legend has it that the "Asura' king Mahabali was banished to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, who took the incarnation of Vamana the dwarf, under pressure from 'Devas', who were jealous of the King's popularity.
Before going down, the King secured an assurance from Vishnu that he would be allowed to visit his subjects on the Thiruvonam day of the month of Malayalam calendar every year.
Regardless of the soaring prices, the festivities scaled to its crescendo in the last couple of days with towns and villages thronged by men, women and children doing their festival shopping.
A consumer state, most items to celebrate Onam including the flowers were brought from the neighbouring states as Kerala's domestic production is too little to meet the festival demand.
Bringing relief of the common man, the state agencies organised hundreds of special fares across the state where essentials and vegetables at subsidised rates.
Cultural events, showcasing the best of Kerala's performing arts were organised in the state capital as well as other cities and towns across the state for a week.
The state officially honoured thespian Kamal Hasan , who was the chief guest at the Onam-Tourism Week celebrations here last night. The actor launched a massive eye-donation campaign in the state.
In rural areas, local youth clubs organised art and sports competitions, as part of revival of folk arts and rural sporting traditions, many of which are on the verge of extinction.
A sumptuous feast, 'Onasadya' was another highlight of the day as at most homes the members assembled for their lunch after invoking the blessings of King Mahabali.
Kerala governor RS Gavai, chief minister VS Achtuthanandan and leaders of all political parties greeted Malayalis at home as well as abroad.
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