Onam is a big festival in Kerala. The festival lasts for ten days and honors King Mahabali (महाबली). Mahabali is considered by the people of Kerala as a wise king. His reign is remembered for being the golden age of Kerala history. It’s believed that King Mahabli visits earth on the days the Onam is held. To celebrate, the women of Kerala make a decorative floor design made of colorful flower petals.

On the fourth day of the Onam festival, performers paint their body to resemble a tiger. They also wear masks that look like the face of a tiger. People gather to watch the performers shake their bellies and move to the beat of a percussion instrument