Happy Onam

Onam (ഓണം), a harvest festival, is celebrated in Kerala, a state in India. It generally falls in the months of August-September. Onam is a celebration to mark the annual return of the spirit of the mythical King Mahabali to his kingdom, and a commemoration of his benevolent rule and his sacrifice. The festivities are intended to assure the King that his people are happy and to wish him well. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam)

Actually, this is also being celebrated in Karnataka, another southern state in India where I'm currently living. Arrangements like the one in the poor picture below (sorry, it was taken with my mobile) are spread along some places downtown Bangalore.