Keralites all over the world celebrate Onam

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 27: Keralites all over the world today celebrated the harvest festival of Onam with traditional gaiety and religious fervour in memory of a glorious past when people lived in peace, plenty and equality under the mythical King Mahabali.

The festival was marked by special prayers in temples, traditional feasts on plantain leaf and cultural programmes.

Guruvayoor, Sabarimala and other major temples in Kerala witnessed a heavy rush of devotees since morning.

Houses were decorated with flowers to welcome Mahabali, who, according to legend, visited his subjects on the 'Thiruvonam' day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). As per tradition, the head of the family presented new clothes to the members with a lavish feast following the rituals.

The festival was important because of its popularity with all communities in Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with and was connected to Hindu religion, it was celebrated today with equal fervour by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

Apart from a week-long Onam celebrations organised by the Government, various cultural groups have organised celebrations all over the State.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police in all the major venues.

UNI