Onathappan is coming!

On August 27 Kerala was overwhelmed with the joy of welcoming King Mahabali home.

Onam celebrates the golden age of this Asura ruler, who returns from Pathalam or the underworld to visit his people.

When Mahabali or Maveli ruled, Kerala was a Utopian land. Everyone lived in happiness and equality. Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images

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