Onam 2026: Blog post by Dr. Priya Duggal

Onam- a harvest festival in Kerala, India, that marks the Malayali New Year.

It celebrates the yearly return of the righteous Asura king to visit his beloved people.

Akmg Canada celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm- traditional drumming, pookalam( flower arrangements), folk dances and the grand Onam Sadya( traditional dishes served on a banana leaf.

The Legend of King Mahabali....... The Golden Rule: King Mahabali ruled Kerala with peace, fairness, and love. His kingdom had no poverty, crime, or sadness. The Test of Generosity: The gods felt worried by his growing power. Lord Vishnu took the form of a poor dwarf named Vamana.

The Three Steps: Vamana asked for land equal to three small steps. Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew into a giant. He covered the earth with step one and the skies with step two...... The Final Gift: For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana pushed him down to the underworld.

The Blessing: Pleased by his deep devotion and love for his people, Vishnu let Mahabali return to Kerala once every year.

This return is Onam.

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