Onam is the main festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam (ending of August and beginning of September). Celebrations are on for ten days, beginning with the atham day. The colourful Onam signifies the end of the South-West Monsoon. It is celebrated against a setting of lush green vegetation. Over time, the Gods became worried about his ways, thinking that he might become too powerful. So, they sought the help of Vishnu to curb his power. Vishnu, in the form of a dwarf (Vamana), approached him and asked for three paces of land. As soon as he had done so, the dwarf began to grow, and grow, and grow.
The main attraction is the traditional dresses and the dances with the beautiful decoration of flowers and the racing of the unique snake boats. The complete vegetarian fare is also not to be missed.
(12 Nights/13 Days)