The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has angered its political opponents in Kerala by challenging the legend behind Onam, the state’s main Hindu festival which will be celebrated on September 14 this year. It said there was no reference in scriptures which supports the popular legend that Vamana had sent Mahabali to the netherworld through deceit. According to popular belief, Mahabali comes home in the Malayalam month of Chingam to visit his subjects and the occasion is celebrated as Thiru Onam. However, the RSS article written by K Unnikrishnan Namboothiri argued that Onam was originally celebrated as Vamana’s birthday and not as a festivity to mark Mahabali’s homecoming. But, there are historical references that Onam was celebrated as Vamana Jayanthi in the state during early periods, especially during 9-11 century AD,” he said.

Source: Hindustan Times September 11, 2016 12:22 UTC