Kerala marked the harvest festival of Onam with enthusiasm and traditional charm across the state on Sunday.
Onam celebrates the mythical demon king Mahabali, known for his just rule and the happiness he brought to his people. According to legend, the Devas, envious of Mahabali’s popularity, asked Lord Vishnu to banish him. However, Mahabali secured a boon from Vishnu to visit his subjects every year on Thiruvonam Day.
On this auspicious “Thiruvonam” day, people donned traditional ‘kasavu’ sarees and ‘mundu’ (dhoti) and visited temples statewide. Popular spots included Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple and Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple.
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Despite the festive spirit, the government decided not to hold official Onam celebrations this year due to the recent landslides in Wayanad, which caused many deaths and injuries.
Nevertheless, Keralites embraced traditional celebrations. Homes were adorned with vibrant floral carpets, while elders gifted “onakkodi” (new clothes) to family members. The traditional swing, ‘Oonjal,’ was set up in many courtyards, and families prepared a lavish ‘onasadya’ (feast) featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes and the sweet dessert ‘payasam.’
Local clubs organized traditional games like Vadamvali (tug of war) and Uriyadi (break the pot), along with cultural performances such as Pulikkali and Thiruvathira.
Notable figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, extended Onam greetings to Kerala’s people. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and BJP state president K. Annamalai also sent their wishes for the festival.
