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.