Malayalis across Kerala and worldwide are gearing up for a spectacular Thiruvonam celebration on Wednesday, bringing the ten-day harvest festival to a joyous climax. Tuesday marked Uthradam, the festive eve, which saw communities engulfed in bustling, last-minute preparations to welcome the mythical demon king Mahabali.

Bustling Markets and Kitchen Chaos

Markets, streets, and supermarkets across the state are packed with shoppers. This final rush, known as ‘Uthradappachil’, saw crowds buying vegetables, new clothes, and flowers like marigold and chrysanthemum. Buying 'Onakkodi' (new clothes) remains a treasured tradition. Families also crowded stalls to secure plantain leaves and ingredients for the grand 'Onam Sadya' feast. Kitchens are hives of activity. Households are busy cleaning vegetables, slicing pickles, and preparing traditional snacks like banana chips and jaggery-coated 'sharkara upperi'. For many, Uthradam is the moment when homes and communities come alive for family reunions.

High Spirits Defy Wet Weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued yellow alerts in 11 districts on Tuesday, and four districts on Wednesday, August 26. Isolated heavy rain is forecast in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam on Thiruvonam day. Light to moderate rain is expected state-wide until Saturday, August 29. Yet, the wet forecast has not dampened the spirit. While heavy rains have been forecast in parts of the state, the festive spirit has remained undiminished, with people pressing ahead with their preparations to make Thiruvonam a celebration of prosperity, happiness and togetherness. Travellers heading to hilly or rain-prone areas have been advised to check weather updates.

Experiencing Kerala’s Cultural Heritage

To mark the occasion, Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh unveiled an experiential tourism initiative titled 'Be a Malayali for a Day'. Designed to move away from simply inviting tourists to witness the state’s natural beauty, the program allows visitors to participate in making floral carpets, cooking Onam meals, and learning heritage art forms. "Visitors will be encouraged to actively engage with local people and culture instead of being mere spectators," Minister Vishnunadh stated. He emphasised that the government is committed to documenting and digitising heritage art. "Our heritage is not intended to be preserved within the confines of museums; it should be actively shared and kept vibrant for future generations. The overarching goal is to engage younger audiences with Keralam's rich arts and culture while generating international interest through digital outreach," the Minister said.

This year's Onam Week features more than 340 programs across 35 venues in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing 8,000 performers. Thiruvananthapuram’s Tourism Week was inaugurated on Monday by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, while Vice President C P Radhakrishnan will flag off the final procession on August 30.

Messages of Harmony and Unity

National and state leaders have extended warm wishes, highlighting Onam's message of brotherhood and secularism. President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to citizens in India and abroad on the eve of Onam and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. "On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Keralam living in India and abroad," President Murmu said. "Onam celebrates our rich culture and spirit of brotherhood. It promotes unity in diversity," she added, praying that the festival "inspires the citizens to contribute to the nation's progress."

On Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, she added: "May the noble ideals of Prophet Muhammad inspire us to contribute actively towards building an inclusive and developed India."

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar described Onam as carrying "the timeless message of equality, harmony and hope for a just world".

Chief Minister V D Satheesan reminded citizens that Onam inspires confidence to overcome adversity, noting that the government has ensured people can celebrate "without the burden of rising prices".

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan concluded that the festival unites people across differences: "Onam conveys a message of prosperity, equality and brotherhood and is a grand celebration that unites Malayali minds beyond the boundaries of caste, religion and politics."