However, he asked people to show caution while celebrating the festival amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday said that the festival Onam has an international appeal, saying that 'it has reached distant shores of foreign lands.'
"The zest of Onam today has reached distant shores of foreign lands. Be it America, Europe or Gulf countries, the verve of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning out to be an international festival," PM Modi said.
"Onam festival also being celebrated with gaiety & fervour. This festival arrives in the month of Chingam. During this period, people buy something new, decorate their homes, prepare Pookalam, enjoy Onam-Saadiya. Variety of games, competitions also held," Modi added.
However, he asked people to show caution while celebrating the festival amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a time for festivals but at the same time, there is also a sense of discipline among people due to the COVID-19 situation," Modi said.
The festival marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali.
It is the beginning of the Chingam, the first month of Malyalam calander (Kollavarsham). The most important day falls on Thiru Onam. The celebrations begin almost 10 days before Thiru Onam. Atham marks the beginning of the rituals'.
It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the festival is going to be a muted affair.
This is the 68th edition of PM’s extremely popular monthly radio programme.
In the previous edition of Mann ki Baat, which was also a date when India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi had paid tributes to the soldiers who fought valiantly against Pakistan’s forces during the Kargil War.
He also said that despite efforts to establish cordial relations Pakistan remained resolute in pushing cross-border terrorism.
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 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi")
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