Onam - When Bali Returns

Dadi**: Guddu beta, have you ever heard of a festival where people celebrate a demon king?

Guddu**: A demon king?! Festivals are for gods, Dadi!

Dadi**: Usually, yes. But in Kerala, there's a festival called Onam where millions of people welcome back a demon king named Bali. And the reason is beautiful.

Guddu**: Why would they celebrate a demon?

Dadi**: Because Bali wasn't an ordinary demon, beta. He was such a good and righteous king that even Lord Vishnu had to admire him. Let me tell you the story.

Guddu**: Okay, Dadi!

Dadi**: Long ago, King Bali ruled Kerala. Under his reign, there was no poverty, no crime, no injustice. Everyone had food, everyone had shelter, everyone was happy. It was a perfect kingdom.

Guddu**: That sounds wonderful!

Dadi**: It was! But Bali's power grew so great that even the gods became nervous. He conquered heaven itself! The gods went to Lord Vishnu and begged him to stop Bali.

Guddu**: So Vishnu fought him?

Dadi**: Not with weapons, beta. Vishnu came as Vamana - a small Brahmin boy with an umbrella. He approached King Bali during a great ceremony and asked for a simple gift.

Guddu**: What did he ask for?

Dadi**: "Just three steps of land," the little Brahmin said. "Measured by my own feet. That's all I need."

Guddu**: That's nothing! A little boy's three steps?

Dadi**: That's what Bali thought too! He laughed and said, "Of course! Such a modest request from such a humble boy." But the moment Bali agreed...

Guddu**: What happened?

Dadi**: The tiny Brahmin began to grow. He grew and grew until his head touched the clouds, until his body filled the sky! With his first step, he covered all the earth. With his second step, he covered all of heaven.

Guddu**: There was nowhere left!

Dadi**: Exactly! Vamana asked, "Where shall I place my third step? You promised me three steps. Will you break your word?"

Guddu**: What did Bali do?

Dadi**: Here is what made Bali great, beta. He could have refused. He could have argued that he had been tricked. Instead, he smiled and bowed his head. "I have nothing left," he said. "Place your third step on my head. I will not break my promise."

Guddu**: He gave up everything!

Dadi**: Everything! His kingdom, his power, his heaven - all gone. But he kept his honor. He kept his word. And Lord Vishnu was so moved that he granted Bali amazing boons.

Guddu**: What boons?

Dadi**: Vishnu made Bali the ruler of Sutala, a realm even more beautiful than heaven. And Vishnu himself promised to stand as the doorkeeper at Bali's palace, guarding him forever. But the most special boon...

Guddu**: What?

Dadi**: Once every year, Bali is allowed to return to Earth to see his beloved people. This is Onam! For ten days, the people of Kerala welcome their great king back home.

Guddu**: That's why they celebrate!

Dadi**: They clean their houses so Bali sees they're doing well. They wear new clothes and cook the grandest feast - the Onam Sadya - to show him they are prosperous. They make beautiful flower carpets called pookalam to welcome him.

Guddu**: Even though he lost everything?

Dadi**: Bali lost everything, beta, but he gained something greater - he gained immortal love. His people never forgot him. After thousands of years, they still await his return with joy.

Guddu**: So being good matters more than winning?

Dadi**: Exactly, beta! Bali was called a "demon" only because of his birth, not his character. His heart was pure, his word was sacred, and his love for his people was true. These qualities made him worthy of worship.

Guddu**: I want to be like Bali - good even when it's hard.

Dadi**: That's the spirit, beta. Keep your promises. Put others before yourself. And remember - true glory is not in conquering the world, but in winning people's hearts.

Guddu**: Goodnight, Dadi!

Dadi**: Goodnight, beta. May Bali's spirit of generosity live in your heart!