The colourful harvest festival Thiruvonam is being celebrated by Keralites living all over the world today. Special prayers in temples, laying of multi-colour floral carpets called athappookkalam, buying new clothes and enjoying elaborate traditional feast with family members are some of the highlights of Onam celebrations noted for its secular ethos.

“Onam season especially Thiruvonam evokes nostalgic feelings in Malayalees about the prosperity and uprightness of the bygone era of Mahabali, the Asura king. As per legend, king Mahabali visits Kerala from the netherworld on Thiruvonam day to find out the prosperity and well being of his subjects. Onam is also a festival of plentifullness or bounty of nature. Apart from new clothes and gifts to family members, traditional mouth watering feast served on plantain leaves makes onam a very colourful festival fostering family and social bonds. The festival is also the season of snake boat races and cultural extravaganza in Kerala and hence a major tourist attraction.

President, Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion of Onam. Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil expressed hope in her message that this harvest festival of colour and vivacity, bring prosperity and all-round gaiety for the nation. In his message, Mohd. Hamid Ansari has said that the mood of rejoicing is vividly captured in the rituals and festivities associated with the festival, transcending all barriers and uniting us in a common brotherhood.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the beauty of Onam lies in its secular traditions. He said in a message that the rich cultural heritage of Kerala signs true expression during the 10-day long festival. The Prime Minister wished joy, peace and prosperity to all on the occasion.