Onam 2023: Droupadi Mumru, PM Modi, Kerala CM And Leaders Extend Greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Mumru, Kerala's chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and several other leaders extended their warm greetings on Tuesday for the 10-day Onam festival. In their messages, these leaders encouraged people to spread the joy of Kerala's harvest festival and conveyed their wishes for prosperity.

PM Modi tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter), "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."

President Murmu greeted the citizens and said, "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."

Vijayan remarked that Onam embodies timeless values of equality and fraternity, which provide momentum for the ongoing struggle to recreate conditions of peace and prosperity. Governor Khan urged individuals to collectively spread the melody, charm, and radiance of Onam worldwide, as it represents Kerala's unique message of love, equality, and harmony.

Yechury expressed his best wishes, aiming to strengthen efforts towards establishing an equitable society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. He highlighted that Onam symbolizes the triumph over opposing forces.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin saw the festival as an opportunity to restore an India characterized by equality, brotherhood, and growth. He extended heartfelt wishes for Onam, acknowledging it as a festival celebrated with enthusiasm and unity by the people of Kerala. He also noted that Onam is not merely a harvest festival but a symbolic welcome to Maveli, the Dravidian King.

Even the Congress party tweeted on the occasion, saying, "Warm greetings to our brothers and sisters of Kerala on the auspicious occasion of Onam. May this festival bring happiness and abundance to all."

Starting on August 20, the festival continues with grandeur for ten days. Kerala's theme for this year's celebration is 'Onam, Oru Eenam' (Onam, the symphony of harmony). Captivating visuals showcase Thiruvananthapuram adorned with lights and people donning vibrant attire, creating an atmosphere of festivity.

Rooted in popular mythology, the festival's origins are traced back to the time when the southern state was ruled by the generous Asura (demon) king, 'Mahabali'. Under his reign, equality prevailed, and deceit and theft were unheard of. However, the envy of the Gods led to his removal to the netherworld with the assistance of Lord Vishnu. As per legend, Mahabali was permitted to return every year on Thiruvonam day-the tenth day of the festival-after being dethroned. Since then, his homecoming has been celebrated through the festival of Onam.