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| August 28, 2012 | President, Vice President greet Keralites on Onam | |
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari today
greeted the nation ahead of the auspicious occasion of Onam, which marks the beginning of
the harvest season.
In his message, President Mukherjee said: "On the joyous occasion of Onam, I offer my warm
felicitations and heartiest greetings to all my brothers and sisters belonging to Kerala."
"This unique festival brings out the rich cultural heritage of Kerala in it's best form and spirit.
The auspicious occasion is marked by a resolve to lead our lives by imbibing the virtues of
truth, love, piety and humility. May this harvest festival instil in us the spirit of national
integration and inspire us to work for further development of our country," he added.
Ansari in his message said that celebrated with traditional gaiety, this auspicious festival plays
an important role in uniting us in a common brotherhood.
He wished that this festival may usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in the society and
contribute in the nation's progress.
"I extend my greetings and good wishes to the citizens of our country on the joyous occasion
of Onam which marks the beginning of the harvest season. May the festival usher in peace,
prosperity and happiness in the society and contribute in the nation's progress," he said.
Onam is the largest festival in Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar,
which is Chingam (August-September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King
Mahabali.
The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala's culture and tradition.
Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the
Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival. |
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