Onam is the high spirited and the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam or Thiruonam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical king who ruled Kerala a long time back. There goes the legend that the gods plotted the conspiracy against King Maha Bali for ending his reign. This festival recalls the sacrifice of the great king Mahabali. The name Mahabali itself means the Great Sacrifice. The people of Kerala celebrates Onam festival to commemorate the memory of a Great King Mahabali who has kept his promise. He is known as the great martyr for the sake of his true devotion to god and Satya- the truth.

Vamana asked for the land covered by three footsteps of him. Mahabali was told by his advisors that the Vaman is no ordinary person and he has come here intentionally to take away all the holdings of the King. Mahabali was told not to fulfill the demand of the Vamana but Mahabali was the king who would never like to go back on his promises. He told Vamana that he would honour his demand. Hearing this, Vaman grew enormously in size. The whole of earth was measured by his one foot and with his second foot he claimed all of heaven. For the third footstep, Vaman was offered the head of Mahabali by the king. By seeing the devotion of Mahabali, Lord Vishnu granted him the premission to visit his devotees once every year. From then onwards, Onam is celebrated in memory of King Mahabali who has gone against all odds to keep up his promises and is known for the great sacrifice done by their emporer .