On September 15, Kerala observed Onam, the traditional harvest festival, with prayers and reverence despite the backdrop of recent calamities. The Pazhavangadi Ganpathi Temple and Padmanabhaswamy Temple were bustling with devotees who gathered to offer their prayers and seek blessings on this auspicious day.
Onam, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, spans ten days with Thiruvonam being the central highlight. Traditionally, this day is marked by wearing new clothes, visiting temples, and exchanging sweets and gifts among family and friends. Festive activities also include creating intricate floral carpets known as Pookkalam in front of homes, which symbolize prosperity and joy.
A Sobering Note: Wayanad Landslide
This year’s celebrations are tinged with a sense of solemnity due to the landslides that recently devastated parts of Wayanad. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in his message, urging the public to keep the affected communities in their thoughts.
“This Onam comes in the wake of the devastating landslides in Mundakai and Chooralmala. We are dedicated to rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods in these areas,” said Vijayan. He also encouraged donations to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, emphasizing the festival’s spirit of unity and compassion.
Community Efforts and Festivities
In Ernakulam, the Thrikkakara Temple hosted the Uthrada Sadya, a grand traditional feast, for around 20,000 people on September 14. This event was part of the Uthradam celebrations, held on the ninth day of Onam, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes for Onam through a message on platform X, highlighting the festival’s significance and its role in fostering peace and prosperity. “Happy Onam to all. May there be peace, prosperity, and well-being everywhere. Celebrating the great culture of Kerala, this festival is observed with enthusiasm by the Malayalee community across the globe,” Modi wrote.
The ten-day Onam festival, culminating with Thiruvonam on September 15, continues to be a time of joy and reflection for Kerala. This year’s celebrations, while marked by the tragedy in Wayanad, underscore a collective spirit of support and resilience among the people of Kerala.