Vamana grew and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two paces. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needs is the property right over a piece of land that measures "three paces". The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he wished. Vishnu took the avatar of a dwarf boy called Vamana and approached Mahabali. Mahabali, after his victory over the gods, declared that he will perform Yajna (homa sacrifices) and grant anyone any request during the Yajna. He, instead, decided to test Mahabali's devotion at an opportune moment. Vishnu refused to join the gods in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali was a good ruler and his own devotee. According to Vaishnavism mythology, the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their battle with Mahabali. Prahlada's grandson Mahabali came to power by defeating the gods ( Devas) and taking over the three worlds. The dwarf Vamana taking a leap-step is a part of many Hindu temple arts (above), and one legend behind Onam. However, some non-Hindus in Kerala denounce its celebration as a cultural event because they consider it as a religious festival. Though a Hindu festival, non-Hindu communities of Kerala participate in Onam celebrations considering it as a cultural festival. It is also celebrated by Malayali diaspora around the world. Major festivities take places across 30 venues in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Uthradom (Onam eve). Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations. It is a harvest festival, one of three major annual Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities. Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala. According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. It falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. Onam is an annual Hindu holiday and festival with origins in the state of Kerala in India.
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