The Varaha Mandapa, a 7th century rock-cut cave temple in Mamallapuram, is home to many fascinating tales set in stone. One of the most spectacular panels in the cave features the Trivikrama or Vamana avatar of Vishnu, in which he defeats the demon king Mahabali.
This epic tale also happens to be the origin story of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala.
Rakhsha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a popular festival in north India. Onam is the most important festival for the state of Kerala in south India. One celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters; the other celebrates the return of a much-loved king. But what connects these two completely different festivals?
