Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted Keralites all over the world on the occasion of Onam festival.
The Prime Minister tweeted, "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."
Earlier, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said, "I convey my heartiest Onam greetings to the people of the state and other Keralites all over the world."
"The celebration of Onam calls to mind the cherished legacy of a life of equality, oneness, and affluence and brightens every home with the ethereal joy of festivity."
"Let us join hands to spread the melody, charm, and sparkle of Onam across the globe as Kerala's unique message of love, equality, and harmony," the Governor said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the "Onam festival displays the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It awakens a new hope and faith in the minds of people and also spreads the message of harmony in society."
He also said the celebration of Onam rekindles the splendid legacy of a life of equality, oneness, and prosperity, filling minds and homes with the celestial joy of festivity.
Meanwhile, special poojas are being held in temples in connection with the festival, including Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.
The Thiruvonathoni (a snake boat especially for the service of Aranmula Sri Parthasarathi temple) carrying articles for the Onasadya (traditional vegetarian dishes usually served on a banana leaf in Kerala as lunch during Onam) reached the Aranmula Sri Parthasarathy Temple ghats in the early morning hours of Tuesday.
As part of the custom, 18 Nair families offer provisions and vegetables to the Thiruvonathoni to bring them to the temple for the traditional Onasadya.
The provisions and vegetables were transported to Aranmula in Thiruvonathoni immediately after a ritual at the Kattoor Maha Vishnu Temple on Monday evening.
The feast was prepared at the temple kitchen and served to the devotees at the temple dining hall (Oottupura) immediately after the 'Utchapuja' on Tuesday. (UNI)