The story of onam

Producer: Navneet Vyasan

Onam commemorates the return of the legendary King Mahabali.

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Legend says that, King Mahabali defeated the Gods and ruled all three worlds.

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He was a generous and wise leader, but the Gods started feeling insecure due to his popularity.

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This made them approach Lord Vishnu who took his fifth avatar -- the dwarf Vamana.

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Vamana paid King Mahabali a visit and the King promised to grant him his wishes. Vamana asked for "three pieces of land."

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Vamana grew in size and covered the sky and the netherworld in his first and second steps.

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When Lord Vishnu's fifth avatar was about to take his third step, King Mahabali offered his own head to God.

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Pleased by this Vishnu granted the King the freedom to rule his kingdom till the end of Kalyuga.

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He also granted the King the right to visit his kingdom and people during Onam.

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It is to welcome Mahabali that people start create floral carpets (Pookkalam) in front of their homes.

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