New Delhi/ Bhopal, August 26, 2026

Onam was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across Kerala and by Malayali communities worldwide on Wednesday. Homes wore a festive look with colourful Pookalams, traditional Onasadya feasts and cultural programmes marking Thiruvonam, the most important day of the ten-day harvest festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion and described Onam as a vibrant festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the world. In a post on X, he expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen the spirit of happiness, togetherness and prosperity in society.

Amid the celebrations, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor used the story of legendary King Mahabali to underline the festival’s deeper message. In a social media post and during his interactions at Onam programmes, Tharoor said the festival represents equality, compassion and shared prosperity.

He recalled that Mahabali returns every year to see whether his people are well. The king also comes to know whether everyone is being treated equally and whether prosperity is being shared by all.

Tharoor linked this spirit with the true purpose of politics and public life. The message was simple. Power becomes meaningful only when it improves people’s lives and ensures that no one is left behind.

The story takes people back to the reign of Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada. Though born in an Asura lineage, Mahabali was remembered as a generous and able ruler. His kingdom was believed to be free from discrimination, dishonesty and deprivation.

According to the popular legend, Mahabali’s growing power caused concern among the Devas. Lord Vishnu then appeared before him as Vamana, a young Brahmin, and asked for three steps of land.

Mahabali readily accepted the request. Vamana then assumed a gigantic form. With his first two steps, he covered the earth and the heavens.

There was no space left for the third step. Mahabali bowed his head and offered himself. His act showed humility, devotion and commitment to his word. Pleased by Mahabali’s conduct, Lord Vishnu granted him permission to return once every year to meet his people. His annual homecoming is celebrated as Onam.

The legend has survived through generations because Mahabali is not remembered merely as a defeated ruler. He is remembered as a king who earned the love and trust of his people. His greatness came not from the territory he ruled, but from the society he created.

Onam also carries a strong connection with Kerala’s agrarian life. It marks the harvest season and the Malayalam month of Chingam. The celebrations begin with Atham and reach their peak on Thiruvonam.

Families prepare elaborate floral designs called Pookalams outside their homes. The traditional Onasadya brings people together over a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Vallam Kali boat races, Pulikali, Thiruvathirakali and several folk traditions add colour to the festivities.

Onam’s greatest strength, however, lies in its inclusive character. Malayalis from different religions and social backgrounds participate in the celebrations. The festival has travelled with the community to different parts of India and the world.

Tharoor gave this message a human touch by joining an Onam programme organised by the Snehasandram Charitable Trust in Thiruvananthapuram. In a post on X, he described it as perhaps the most meaningful event of his Onam visit.

The trust was founded by mothers of differently-abled children and functions with public support. It works with around 200 children and encourages them to develop and display their abilities. One of the children portrayed Mahabali during the programme.

That moment reflected the real spirit of the festival. A celebration built around equality becomes meaningful when society respects every individual and creates opportunities for those often left behind. Onam returns every year with flowers, feasts and celebrations. It also returns with the enduring hope of rebuilding a society that Mahabali would be happy to see.