The story behind Onam posted here is wrong ... Maha Bali , means Great Sacrifice ... and ... what the heck was the sacrifice ? He had commited the last vice that most good people have - ego/arrogance . He didnt pay heed to his Guru even though it was apparent by then that Vishnu was testing him .He had to fulfil his word and at the same time pay for his folly ... and to compound things ... being a good and pious man - he needed to be rewarded . The punishment was being banished to hell , the blessing was placing of Vamana's foot on his head and helping Bali fulfil his vow ( to offer 3 paces ) and the reward was fulfilment of Bali's desire for Indra-sthanam for one full manvantaram.
