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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared heartfelt Onam greetings on social media. He emphasized how the festival showcases Kerala's rich cultural traditions and timeless heritage. Onam is a 10-day harvest festival marking the Malayali New Year and King Mahabali's homecoming. The celebrations promote values of equality, unity, and prosperity across communities.

Key Points: PM Modi Extends Onam Greetings Celebrating Kerala Heritage

  • PM Modi extends warm Onam wishes for joy and prosperity
  • Festival symbolizes Kerala's unity, hope, and cultural pride
  • Celebrates the annual homecoming of mythical King Mahabali
  • Includes traditional feast Onasadya and 10 days of festivities
2 min read

Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala: PM Modi extends Onam greetings to people

Prime Minister Modi wishes happy Onam, highlighting Kerala's timeless traditions, cultural pride, and the festival's message of unity and prosperity for all.

"Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, September 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Onam. He said Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala.

"Wishing everyone a very happy Onam! May this beautiful festival bring renewed joy, good health and abundant prosperity to all. Onam reflects the timeless heritage and rich traditions of Kerala," Modi said in a post on X.

"This festival is a symbol of unity, hope and cultural pride. May this occasion strengthen the spirit of harmony in our society and deepen our connection with nature," he added.

Onam is a 10-day-long harvest festival celebrated by the Malayali community in Kerala and globally. This year, Onam festivities began on August 26, and today Kerala is celebrating Thiruvonam, the concluding day of the festival.

All ten days of the celebration of Onam have their own significance. Also, the celebration marks the beginning of the New Year for the people of Kerala, which is popularly known as 'Kolla Varsham'.

Onam celebrations are also associated with values such as equality, justice, and a prosperous society. Societal cohesion, the rulers' accountability to the people, and a more equal society are emphasised in the myths associated with Onam.

Speaking of Hindu mythology, it is believed that King Mahabali, who was the greatest king of Kerala, was banished from his own kingdom after the devas (gods), who were envious of King Mahabali's popularity. To end Mahabali's rule, Lord Vishnu took the Vaman avatar (dwarf Brahmin) and tricked the king into giving all his land. After the King agreed to give everything to Vaman, King Mahabali was sent to a lower world, but he secured a boon from Lord Vishnu that he could visit his land once a year. The festival of Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahaballi.

Across Kerala, the festival is celebrated with great excitement as people take part in dance, parties, and fun activities. Onam is a significant occasion for merchants as well, who spend lavishly on shopping, food, and decorations. Various delicacies are prepared by the people at home and distributed among friends and relatives. One of the key food items related to the Onam festival is the preparation of Onasadya, a special vegetarian feast.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I appreciate the greetings, I wish our leaders would focus more on actual policies that support Kerala's farmers and preserve our cultural heritage rather than just seasonal messages. The real tribute to Onam would be supporting our agricultural community.
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Anjali F
Missing Kerala this Onam! 😢 Working in Bangalore but my heart is with the pookalam and sadya back home. The unity message is so important - Onam brings together people of all communities in Kerala. Happy Onam to all Malayalis worldwide!
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Vikram M
The story of Mahabali and Vamana teaches us about humility and keeping promises. These are values we should all embrace. Onam is not just a festival but a way of life for Keralites. Heartwarming to see it getting national recognition.
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Sarah B
As someone who married into a Malayali family, I've come to love Onam celebrations! The elaborate sadya feast, the beautiful flower arrangements, and the warmth of the community is incredible. India's cultural diversity is truly amazing.
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Manish T
Onam reminds us of Kerala's ancient democratic values where the king was accountable to his people. In today's times, we need more leaders like Mahabali who put people's welfare above everything else. Thought-provoking festival with deep philosophical meaning.

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