Kerala really has a story – a story that reflects the character, friendship and spirit of community that has penetrated its social structure since time immemorial: the iconic onama festival.
Olam Onmam, a celebration of the true story of Keral, is a permanent story of community, intertwined by nostalgia of the social order, where all people lived in perfect harmony.
Since then, the idea of Onam has been instilled in Malayalis intense desire for equality society, liberated from exploitation, greed, lies and fraud. It was a company united by shared values and a strong sense of belonging. This nostalgia had a deep impact on Keral’s history, culture and politics.
The symbolism associated with the festival is unique and zealous. The legend is that Onam refers to King Mahabali, who ruled the Lount Eons – a country in which everyone was the same and everything was fair. Together with the legend “Mavelinad” (Mahabali Country), Onam also resonates with hope, resistance and inclusiveness.
Over time, Onam has evolved into an opportunity to celebrate, overlapping class barriers, castes and religions. This sense of cohesion has gained further strength since Kerala began its transformation into modern, progressive and aspiration society.
What makes the story of keral fascinating and always relevant is his celebration of social harmony in the pluralistic environment.
Since its foundation as the state of the Indian Union, Kerala has become a successful model of social development and integration. Overall literacy, universal education and a strong public health care system are some of the key features of the well -known Keral model. What is exceptional is its inclusivity.
A few days ago, Kerala crossed another critical threshold in socio -economic integration by achieving full digital literacy, the first in India.
This deep transformation was not a miracle that withdrew only by governments. The state built on the ground prepared by movements in the area of social reform, led by pioneers such as Sree Narayan Guru. Of course, the key driving force of this transition was also the political policy of the state.
Distortion of a real image
In the midst of all these irrefutable facts, it is unfortunate that there have recently been some harmful attempts to portray Keral as a society of destroyed disputes and fertile soil for young for radical activities.
It is also concerned that these falsified stories often gain even prestigious events and are awarded by national honors.
As a society that boasts its secular ethos, Malayalis refused such evil attempts. Nevertheless, it is necessary to call proven interests of the polarization of society on the municipal lines. This is necessary to remove all the little misunderstanding of this poorly motivated propaganda in the minds of communities who are not Malayali left.
The idea of Onama, the way in which they desire them, greets and celebrates all parts of people, is a strong opposite of the evil designs of polarization forces. This is an opportunity for our writers, filmmakers, theater personalities and artists of all genres to come out and celebrate Onama in their true spirit.
Community festival
In addition to the celebrations at home, Onam became a community festival. Many of her cultural expressions associated with Onam have moved to community spaces. This allows all sections to be part of the festival and consolidate social solidarity.
The weekly celebrations of Onam organized by the State Government were an annual position. The festival, which is included in the tourist department, shows the best of the classic, folk and ethnic traditions of Keraly in the capital of the state and the score of places. During the season, the festival became the main tourist attraction, in addition to attracting local crowds to enjoy dancing, songs and dramas throughout the week.
Onam maintained traditional art, craft and rural sports. The season is the opening of Kiera’s Snake-Boat races.
All of this is summarized by the central message of Onama – Social Harmony and inclusiveness, celebrated elegantly.
PA Mohamed Riyas is the Minister for Tourism and Public Work, Kerala
Published – 4 September 2025 01:10
