As the evening light fades over a Kerala village, a familiar festive scene unfolds. People step out of their homes, children gather around, and the sound of singing and drums fills the streets. But there is an unexpected figure at the centre of this celebration — Mahabali, the beloved king of Onam, leading a cheerful group from one home to another.

It may look a little like Christmas carolling, but there is no Santa here. This is Onam celebrated in a rather unique way in Valayanchirangara, a village near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district.

Festivals have a way of bringing people together, often creating traditions that are as much about community as they are about rituals. Across Kerala, Onam is marked by pookalams, traditional feasts, songs and the enduring story of King Mahabali. 

But in this village, the celebrations have taken a particularly joyful turn: for eight evenings, residents go from house to house singing Onam carols, with Mahabali joining the procession. And this unusual tradition has been bringing the village together for nearly four decades.

When Mahabali comes calling

In Valayanchirangara, Onam celebrations include an unusual procession in which a group of villagers travels from one home to another, singing Onam songs. At the centre of it all is Mahabali, the mythical king at the heart of the festival.

It is almost like Christmas carolling — only Santa is replaced by Mahabali.

The tradition began several decades........

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