Keralites traditionally celebrate Onam as the time marking the beginning of their new year and as a harvest festival. The festival of Onam is also linked with the myth of Mahabali or Maveli- a ruler believed to have ruled ancient Kerala. This is one story which reveals the cruelty and fascist attitude of Aryans. According to the story, Maveli was the victim of envy of devas. Maveli was a good and generous ruler which made him popular day by day. Devas, envied by his popularity and growth, accosted Vishnu to put an end to his rule. The legend is that Vishnu went to Maveli in the guise of a poor Brahmin named Vamana, and requested three pieces of land. Maveli consented. to his request. Soon Vamana grew to gigantic proportions and with his two steps, took the whole world, heaven and netherworld(patala) and asked for his third piece of land. Unable to fulfil his promise, Maveli offered his head. Then Vamana placed his foot on Maveli's head and immersed him to Patala, and made him the King of Patala. This is one story which the Aryans failed to cover their wickedness properly. Kerala celebrates Onam as the occasion when Maveli comes to visit his kingdom once every year, according to the wish granted by Vamana. Actually the story symbolizes the conflict between Aryans and the native Dravidians, who were pushed more and more to the boundaries as Aryans prospered. Onam is a celebration of the multicultural fabric of India, and as the remains of a Dravidian past. During Onam nature adorns itself and bears a festive mood with the characteristic pleasant weather and flowering of all kinds of plants, as though nature harmonizes with the happiness of people.
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