NEW DELHI: Marking the commencement of the 10-day-long Onam festival, which falls in the month of Chingam (August-September), festivities started with Atham on August 20th and will conclude with Thiruvonam on August 31st.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his wishes on X, saying, "Wishing everyone a joyful Onam! May your lives be filled with good health, unending joy, and boundless prosperity." He also remarked that Onam has evolved into a global festival, showcasing Kerala's vibrant culture.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her greetings on this auspicious occasion, expressing gratitude to Mother Nature for its countless blessings. The official Rashtrapati Bhavan account on X echoed similar sentiments, wishing prosperity and harmony among all citizens and particularly to those in Kerala.

Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasized that Onam signifies prosperity, brotherhood, and equality, and urged the festival to inspire unity beyond societal divides. He conveyed, "May Onam celebrations unite us in spirit, transcending caste and religious boundaries."

Tamil Nadu's Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin also extended warm wishes to the Malayalam-speaking populace for Onam. Governor Ravi expressed hopes for peace, prosperity, and good health, invoking the blessings of Mahabali for the nation. Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the inseparable nature of Dravidian culture and denounced attempts to misinterpret Onam's essence.

The 10-day Onam festivities, known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, are celebrated with grandeur in Kerala. These celebrations commemorate the legendary King Mahabali's homecoming and are interwoven with tales and myths. The sequence of days, starting from Atham and spanning through Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, and Uthradam, leads up to the significant day of Thiruvonam. Thiruvonam, the tenth day, holds immense importance as it concludes the Onam festivities and is marked by the lavish Onasadya feast enjoyed by families.

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