Onam

Onam is a big festival that happens in the southern part of India in the state of Kerala. It's a time when people celebrate their harvest and the story of a famous king named Mahabali.

During Onam, people decorate their homes with beautiful flowers called Pookalam and wear new clothes called Onakkodi. They also eat special foods like Onam Sadhya, a big feast of different dishes served on a banana leaf.

The story of Mahabali is very important during Onam. He was a kind and generous king loved by his people. But even though he was loved, the gods felt threatened by him and asked the god Vishnu to stop him. Vishnu took on the form of a dwarf named Vamana and asked Mahabali for a gift of land. Mahabali agreed, but Vamana grew bigger and bigger until he was big enough to claim all the land under his feet.

Mahabali, true to his word, was happy to give up his kingdom, but he asked to visit his people once a year. That's why during Onam, people believe Mahabali returns to Kerala to visit them. They also have different activities during Onam like boat races, dances and games to celebrate the festival.

In short, Onam is a harvest festival where people dress up, eat yummy food and have fun. They also remember the story of a kind king and celebrate his return to Kerala.