The festive spirit of Onam 2023, the prominent harvest festival celebrated with grandeur in Kerala and South India over ten days, was extended by various political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Mumru, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and other leaders conveyed their greetings on this ten-day festival.
PM Modi, via his X (formerly
Twitter) account, conveyed his wishes, stating, "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 expressed gratitude to Mother Nature for her countless bounties and wished for prosperity and harmony during this harvest festival. Chief Minister Vijayan hig
hlighted that Onam embodies timeless values of equality and fraternity, which inspire efforts to recreate conditions of peace and prosperity. Governor Khan urged people to spread Onam's melody, charm, and sparkle across the globe as a message of love, equality, and harmony from Kerala.
Yechury expressed his wishes to
strengthen efforts towards an equitable society based on liberty, equality, and
fraternity, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin viewed Onam as an
opportunity to establish an India filled with equality, brotherhood, and
growth.
The Congress party's X (formerly
Twitter) handle also shared its greetings, 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."
The festival, commencing on
August 20, is marked by vibrant celebrations lasting ten days. This year's
theme in Kerala is 'Onam, Oru Eenam' (Onam, the symphony of harmony). Visuals
showcase Thiruvananthapuram adorned with lights and people donned in colorful
attires, enhancing the festive ambiance.
The Mythology:
The festival's origin lies in a
popular mythology where Mahabali, a generous Asura king, ruled the southern
state. During his reign, equality prevailed, and deceit and theft were unknown.
However, envious Gods conspired to dethrone him, banishing him to the
netherworld with Lord Vishnu's aid. The legend dictates that Mahabali returns
on Thiruvonam day annually, the tenth day of the festival, marking Onam's
celebration as a homecoming for the king.
