Plea to declare 'Onam' as public holiday in Pondy

Puducherry, Aug 8: The Puducherry Kerala Samajam today urged the administration to declare September 12 as a public holiday for the entire union territory in view of ''Onam,'' the harvest festival of Kerala.

Addressing the press here, Samajam President Georgekutty Abraham and Former President Balakrishnan said they were preparing to celebrate Onam and also the 63rd anniversary of the samajam this year.

Several competitions would be conducted from August 10 to September 9 to mark the occasion.

A cultural programme would be organised on September 28 and a 'Kudumba Souhridha Mela'' (family meet) on October five.

They called upon the Union Government to fulfill the long-pending demand of the samajam to connect Puducherry directly with Mahe through a rail link.

UNI