King Mahabali

King Mahabali, who is considered to be one of the greatest kings to have ever ruled Kerala, is believed to ascend to earth from netherworld to meet his subjects.

Apart from being the harvest festival, Onam is celebrated to welcome the legendary demon king Mahabali, who is more popularly known as Maaveli.

Though many places in the state were addressed with anglicised monikers during the periods of colonialism, the last few decades have seen most of them reverting to their to colloquial titles.