New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the people on the auspicious festival of Onam and wished everyone with joy and best health.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, 'Greetings on Onam. This is a unique festival, which celebrates harmony. It is also an occasion to express gratitude to our hardworking farmers. May everyone be blessed with joy and best health.'
Onam, a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala, is a harvest festival. It is one of three major Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities.
The festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance) among others.
It is the New Year day for Malayalis.
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