"Onam be an inspiration to uphold unity of human minds that transcends discrimination": Kerala CM Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], September 14 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the concept of the Onam festival, that is "all human beings are equal", as he extended wishes to people on the eve of Thiruvonam on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, CM Vijayan said that Onam should be an inspiration to uphold the unity of human minds that transcends discrimination. He further stressed the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad following the landslides on July 30.
"This time, Onam is coming in the background of landslides in Mundakai and Chooralmala. We are now engaged in a major effort to rebuild homes, reclaim livelihoods, and make the region economically and socially dynamic. Therefore, let us be full of compassion for our brothers and sisters who have survived this calamity during this celebration," CM Vijayan said.
The Chief Minister also urged everyone to donate generously towards the relief fund for Wayanad's rehabilitation where massive landslides on July 30 claimed over 200 lives.
"May the concept of Onam, which teaches that 'all human beings are equal', be an inspiration to uphold the unity of human minds that transcends discrimination! Donate to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and participate in the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas. So we can make our Onam celebrations meaningful," Vijayan said.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also extended greetings to people on the occasion of Onam.
"I convey my heartiest Onam greetings to the people of the state and other Keralites all over the world. Onam, which brightens every home with the joy of festivity, celebrates the cherished legacy of a life of equality, oneness, and prosperity and inspires us to strive to create such a society. Together, let us spread the melody, charm, and sparkle of Onam across the world as Kerala's message of love, equality, and harmony," said the Kerala Governor in a video message on Saturday.
Onam, a major festival in Kerala, commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is a celebration of unity, harvest, and cultural richness, binding communities in a tapestry of traditions.
Onam falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in the Gregorian calendar overlaps with August-September, and the festival is being celebrated this year from September 6 to 15. The festival also honours the efforts of the farming community.
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), and Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), besides the Sadya feast. (ANI)