From Greenwood High School – Naimnagar

The Story Behind Onam:

A long time ago, there was a king named Mahabali. He was a good and fair king. His people were happy because there was no fighting, no lies, and no poverty in his kingdom.

But the gods became worried. They thought King Mahabali was becoming too powerful. So, they sent Lord Vishnu in the form of a small boy named Vamana.

Vamana asked the king for three steps of land. The king agreed. Then, Vamana became very big and covered the sky and earth in two steps. For the third step, King Mahabali offered his own head.

Lord Vishnu was very pleased and gave Mahabali a blessing. He said Mahabali could visit his people once every year. Onam is the time when people believe King Mahabali comes to visit.