In pictures: The best pictures from this year's Onam celebrations

Onam, Kerala's 10-day-long harvest festival, is arguably the largest and most important festival in Kerala's calendar. Falling in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam (roughly August-Sepember), the festival is held to welcome the arrival of the mythical King Mahabali. 

The legend goes that Mahabali, a great Keralite ruler, was defeated by Vishnu at the behest of other gods. However, for all the good work he had done, Vishnu allowed for Mahabali to return once a year. 

The festival serves as a celebration of Kerala's heritage, with the state's culture coming to the fore in spectacular fashion. Malayalis celebrate the festival with theatre, music, dance, spectacular boat races, and, of course, great food. On the final day of Onam, Thiruonam, a grand feast called Onasadya is prepared. This nine-course meal usually consists of between 11 to 13 dishes. 

As this year's Onam celebrations draw to an end, here are some of the best pictures of this year's Onam celebrations: