President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi extend greetings to people on Onam

President Droupadi Murmu. File Pic

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Onam.

Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Rashtrapati Bhavan said, "Greetings to all fellow citizens and our brothers and sisters in Kerala on Onam! On this auspicious occasion we express our gratitude to Mother nature for the countless bounties. May this harvest festival usher in prosperity and the spirit of harmony among all."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Onam, a festival associated with harvest and the homecoming of king Mahabali in Kerala.

In a post on X, he said, "Onam greetings to everyone! May your lives be showered with good health, unparalleled joy and immense prosperity."

"Over the last many years, Onam has become a global festival and it beautifully showcases the vibrant culture of Kerala," PM Modi said.

According to the legend, envious of Mahabali's popularity, the Devas (Gods) sought the help of Lord Vishnu to get him banished into the netherworld. But before going down, Mahabali secured a boon from Vishnu to visit his subjects every year which is celebrated as Onam.

The ten-day-long Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam celebrations, which mark the return of the revered King Mahabali, also known as Maveli, carry an air of excitement and jubilation.

This vibrant festival is an emblem of Kerala's rich heritage and cultural splendour.

The 10-day Onam celebrations in Kerala started with the Atham celebrations on August 20. It is a festival that honours King Mahabali and Vamana.

To welcome Mahabali, people started constructing floral carpets (Pookkalam) in front of their homes and institutions. Celebrations of many kinds begin today in schools, universities, offices, and other locations.

During the Onam festival, people usually wear traditional kasavu saris and mundu (dhoti). It is a time when family members and friends gather and exchange gifts like new dresses.

Unique food items are prepared at home and distributed to others on this occasion and one of the highlights of the Onam celebrations is the preparation of Onasadya, a special vegetarian feast.

Onam is celebrated in the Chingam month, which marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar. This is a harvest celebration.