Thiruvananthapuram:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday extended his Onam greetings in Malayalam and used the opportunity to send out a political message.

In a brief Malayalam video message posted on his X handle, the ruling DMK chief urged both Kerala and Tamil Nadu to stand together for the formation of a union government which sees everyone alike.

പരസ്പര സ്നേഹവും പൊരുത്തവും ഉള്ള ഒരു ജനതയായി മാറാനും എല്ലാവരെയും തുല്യരായി കാണാനും നമുക്ക് സാധിക്കട്ടെ.

പൂക്കളവും സദ്യയും സന്തോഷവും നിറഞ്ഞ #ഓണാശംസകൾ!#HappyOnam#HappyOnam2023#Onampic.twitter.com/Rt6sJo95PU

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 29, 2023

He wished that, just like during the reign of mythical demon king Mahabali, unity and equality should prevail in the country.

“Let’s stand united for the formation of a union government which sees everyone equally… hearty Onam greetings to my dear Keralites,” Stalin said.

“May we become a folk of mutual love and harmony who can see all as equal,” he added, wishing Keralites an Onam full of flowers, feasts and happiness.

Stalin’s festival greetings with political undertones came in the backdrop of the ongoing tussles between both the southern states and the BJP-led union government on various issues.

The multi-party INDIA alliance, comprising of the Congress, Left parties and the DMK among others, has emerged as the ruling BJP’s challenger at the Centre ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

According to folklore, Onam is a festival connected with the return of the Mahabali, under whose reign everyone lived in happiness and equality.

Legend has it that envious of his popularity, the Devas (Gods) sought the help of Lord Vishnu to get the king banished into the netherworld but before going down, Mahabali secured a boon from Vishnu to visit his subjects every year on Thiruvonam.

Onam, the harvest festival is celebrated by people cutting across caste, creed and religion in Kerala.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The celebrations for Onam, 10-day-long harvest festival, will end on Tuesday (August 29). It is a time of feasting, cultural festivities, and communal bonding that brings together people from all walks of life. The festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in the southern state of Kerala. Men and women in Kerala dress in their kasavu garments, and celebrate by preparing intricately designed flower patterns (rangoli) and a large sadya (feast). Each of the 10 days of Onam holds special significance for the people of Kerala.

The celebrations started on August 20 with Atham, the first day, and will conclude on Tuesday with Thiruvonam. Today, the penultimate day, is celebrated as Uthradam.

On this day, people welcome the spirit of King Mahabali, a benevolent and righteous ruler of the golden era known as “Sukrutha Yuga”.

Also Read | Onam 2023: Date, Celebrations And Story Of King Mahabali

In some parts of Kerala, Onam starts on the Uthradam day. On this day, the farmers bring the whole produce of their large and small farm of the Nair household. These gifts are called Onakazhcha.

The Karnavar (eldest member of the family) greets them and in return, treats them with sweets.

The other celebratory days are Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam and Pooradam.

Onam is incomplete without traditional folk performances such as the Kathakali dance, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Thiruvathira Kali. These dance forms showcase the cultural richness of Kerala and captivate audiences with their vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, and energetic performances. The Kathakali dance, with its elaborate storytelling and expressive gestures, is a visual treat that narrates mythological tales and stories of valour.

Onam is more than just a harvest festival; it is a celebration of Kerala’s cultural identity, unity, and the spirit of giving. It serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, humility, and the importance of community. Onam brings joy and happiness to the hearts of millions.