Kerala celebrates Thiruonam today, the most important day of the Onam festival. Thiruvonam marks the culmination of the ten day Onam festival. People irrespective of religion or caste celebrate the festival, one of the most colourful and spectacular of all festivals in the country. The festival is one of the great unifiers of the state, promoting the ideals of secularism. People believe that it is on this day that King Mahabali, who was sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, visits his subjects. Onam is celebrated to impress upon the visiting King of the prosperity of his land. Homes are spruced up, elaborate pookkalams or floral carpets are laid to welcome the king. The highlight of the day is the Onasadya or Onam feast, which takes place this afternoon. People wearing new clothes thronged temples early this morning all over the state. The Sabarimala and Guruvayoor temples witnessed heavy rush. A large number of devotees visited the Thrikkakara Temple in Kochi, associated with the Onam legend. The ten day long Onam festival at the temple draws to a close on Monday evening.