1. Ten days celebration - Famous Onam is the harvest fest of God's own country Kerala. The ten days festival is welcomed by Keralites with great pomp and happiness and is the heart-touching festival of everybody, no matter rich or poor. All days are greeted with a feast, decorations, sports, and family get-togethers. Onam is celebrated in schools, colleges, offices before the Onam holidays.
2. Floral decorations - Children and adults make floral rangoli in front of their house from the very first day onwards. They are also known as pookalam, which creates a vibrant aura to the entrance and gives a heartwarming welcome to guests. Some traditionally used flowers are important in these floral decorations, like thumbapoo ( Leucas Aspera). Floral decorations are also a crazy competition in schools and colleges. 
3. Feast - Onam feast is something that makes it unique throughout the world. All kinds of south Indian vegetarian cuisine are served on a banana leaf. Serving food on a banana leaf is a traditional culture that tourists love. As Kerala is a popular tourist destination, the feast of Kerala is equally enjoyed by everybody. Sambar, Rasam, Pappadam, pickles are very popular.
4. Boat race and Games - Boat race (vallamkalli) is the unique one. A group of people sets a race in different boats. People in various clubs arrange all sorts of cultural games and sports. 'radio is another popular competition conducted. Other highlights are ' tug of war,' 'sundarik pottu total, 'dance Thiruvathira is the craze of women. Tiger dance and lots of fun activities are held during these days.
Arugula, situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala arranges a snake boat race during Onam. More than a race, it's a ritual loved by people.
Thiruvathira is the traditional dance form of Kerala, which women perform to seek Lord shiva's blessings for marital bliss.
5. Exchanging gifts - Children and Adults love to exchange gifts, especially new dresses gifted to relatives and friends. All the customs make the festival grand. Children are excited to get blessings from elders. The business of giving kaineetam (a small amount of money) is there. Serving food to friends and relatives not only adds to the pomp of the festival, but it also strengthens the bond of the relationship.
6. Myths- Vamana, the carnation of Lord Vishnu, took the form of a brahmin and went to see Mahabali, who was the great generous ruler of Kerala at that time. Mahabali was famous for his kindness, and people were happy during his reign. Vamana asked for three feet of land. King Mahabali agreed; the very next movement Vamana turned into a giant figure and covered the whole world within two steps. Mahabali bowed his head and asked to keep the third step on his head. Mahabali was sent to ' spatial (another world ). By seeing the kindness of the King, Vamana allowed Mahabali to visit his kingdom once a year. It's the arrival of Mahabali; people welcome the king in the form of the Onam festival.
Another reason is it's the season for a good harvest in Kerala.
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