Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan extended greetings to people on the occasion of Onam on Wednesday, describing the harvest festival as a symbol of love, equality and unity that transcends barriers of caste and religion.

In his message, Satheesan said Onam carries a broader social message and continues to bring people together beyond differences of caste, religion and other identities. He emphasised the festival's values of harmony, equality and collective celebration.

“Onam is a festival that transcends caste and religion and conveys the message of love, equality and unity,” Satheesan said in his greetings.

Onam Celebrated Across Keralam

Onam is one of the most significant festivals of Keralam and is traditionally associated with the annual harvest season and the legend of King Mahabali. The festival is marked by family gatherings, traditional feasts, cultural programmes and community celebrations across the state.

The festival also has a strong cultural significance for Malayali communities living outside Keralam, with celebrations taking place in different parts of India and abroad.

Satheesan's message highlighted the inclusive character of the festival at a time when communities come together to celebrate Onam.

Message of Equality and Harmony

The Chief Minister's greetings focused on the values traditionally associated with Onam, particularly equality and social harmony. The festival is often linked to the popular belief that King Mahabali's reign represented a period of prosperity and equality.

The Onam celebrations therefore extend beyond religious observances, with people from different communities participating in cultural and social events associated with the festival.

Harvest Festival's Cultural Significance

Onam is celebrated over several days, with different traditions and events forming part of the festivities. Homes are decorated with pookkalam, or floral arrangements, while the traditional Onam feast, known as Onasadya, remains an important part of celebrations.

Traditional games, cultural performances and boat races are also closely associated with the festival in different parts of Keralam.

The festival's connection with agriculture and the harvest season gives it an important place in the state's cultural calendar.

Greetings Amid Festive Celebrations

As people across Keralam celebrate Onam, the Chief Minister's message placed emphasis on maintaining the spirit of togetherness associated with the occasion.

The greeting also underlined the festival's ability to bring people together irrespective of social and religious differences.

Onam 2026 is being observed on Wednesday, August 26, with celebrations taking place across Keralam and among Malayali communities in different parts of the country.

Lohri 2026: A Festival Marking the End of Winter

Lohri 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, marking the end of the harsh winter season and welcoming the warmth of spring, also known as Basant. Widely celebrated across Punjab, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan, Lohri holds deep cultural and agricultural significance. Observed on the eve of Maghi and just before Makar Sankranti, the festival pays tribute to farmers and nature’s bounty.

This year, Lohri feels especially relevant as communities rediscover traditional festivals to reconnect with cultural roots, sustainable living, and collective joy.

Why Lohri Matters Today

At its heart, Lohri festival is a celebration of harvest and gratitude. Traditionally associated with the winter solstice, Lohri honours the Sun God for longer days and better crops ahead. In today’s fast-paced urban life, Lohri serves as a reminder of:

 Respect for farmers and agricultural cycles

 Community bonding around shared traditions

 Gratitude for nature and seasonal change

Cultural experts note that festivals like Lohri help younger generations stay connected to their heritage while promoting social harmony.

Legends Behind Lohri

The Legend of Dulla Bhatti

One of the most popular folk heroes remembered during Lohri is Dulla Bhatti, often called the Robin Hood of Punjab. Living during Emperor Akbar’s reign, he is celebrated for saving poor girls from abduction and helping arrange their marriages. His bravery and compassion are immortalised in Lohri songs sung even today.

The Sun God Belief

Another legend links Lohri to ancient prayers offered to the Sun God to end extreme cold. The bonfire ritual symbolises warmth, protection, and hope for prosperity.

Lohri 2026 Date and Timings

 Lohri Date: January 13, 2026

 Sunrise: 7:14 AM

 Sunset: 5:56 PM

 Makar Sankranti Moment: January 14, 2026, at 3:04 PM

 Reference Location: Ujjain, India

Rituals and Celebrations of Lohri

Lohri rituals revolve around the sacred bonfire. Families and friends gather to sing folk songs, perform bhangra and gidda, and offer traditional items to the fire, including:

 Sesame seeds (til)

 Jaggery (gur)

 Peanuts and popcorn

 Rewri and gazak

Children go door-to-door singing Lohri songs and are rewarded with festive treats—an act believed to bring good luck.

Traditional Punjabi dishes like makki ki roti and sarson ka saag complete the celebrations.

Changing Traditions, Same Spirit

Earlier, Lohri was closely linked with celebrating the birth of a male child. Today, societal views have evolved, and every newborn and milestone is celebrated equally, reflecting a positive cultural shift.

Lohri 2026 is more than a festival—it is a celebration of life, gratitude, and togetherness. As bonfires light up winter nights on January 13, Lohri continues to unite communities, honour farmers, and welcome new beginnings with warmth and hope.