As Onam is fast approaching this is our second reminder to our Kerala Friends to come home for celebrations. Onam the most exuberant festivals is no longer a regional one or pertained demographically only to Kerala. But it has become almost a national one, owing to the fact that the Malayali brethren are found every where and no one is short of them, due to their intelligent and logic advise they offer. Well I don not personally try to offend others, as I feel Kerala state with hundred percent literacy could possibly have million of mentors. And they are there all around for us to just open up.

Onam is celebrated to remind the rich legacy of the state under the golden era of King Maha Bali. The King had ruled the place, some 1000 years back, as per the myth. And his rule was filled with good governance and abundance. The King was a valiant warrior too and his positive trends reached the three worlds. Envied by his popularity Lord Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu. And as usual Lord Vishnu obliges. He assumes the form of a small Brahmin boy and approaches the King, who was conducting a big Yagna for the better of his subjects.

The King was gifting the Brahmins of wealthy gifts. And it was the boy's turn and he requested three feet of place. The King immediately granted him his request. With one feet the Lord who takes the form of an invincible human crosses the sun and with the next stride the universe. To place his third foot he asks the King for place and the King who realizes the Lords disguise bends down and shows his head. And so the generous Kind is thrust to the underworld. But overwhelmed with his generosity the Lord grants him a boon. The Lord grants 'for ever the King will be able to visit his subjects once in a year' and that is the core of Onam celebrations.

On the other hand Onam marks the harvest time and the celebrations are spread over ten days with lots of cultural activity and funfare. Wishesh wishes all our Malayali brethren a 'Happy Onam.' (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)