Kerala CM Launches Onam Festivities with Secretariat Vegetable Harvest

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan kicks off Onam festivities by inaugurating a vegetable harvest at the Secretariat campus. The initiative, part of the 'Onattinu Oru Muram Pachakkarikari' project, promotes local agriculture and community involvement. Local snack shops, particularly those selling banana chips, experience a surge in business.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the harvest of vegetables grown at the Secretariat campus, marking the start of the Onam festival celebrations. The project, named 'Onattinu Oru Muram Pachakkarikari,' aims to bolster local vegetable cultivation and encourage community participation in agriculture. This initiative, led by the state's agriculture department, seeks to involve citizens in sustainable practices as part of the Onam festivities.

In the run-up to Onam, celebrated with fervor across Kerala, local snack shops are witnessing a significant uptick in sales. Particularly in demand are 'Upperi,' the popular banana chips that are a festival staple. 'Customers are drawn to our shop by the sight of freshly made chips. These yellow chips are a cherished treat during Onam,' a local shopkeeper from Kottayam told ANI.

One shopkeeper, originally from the North East, remarked that Onam is an auspicious period for him, as his banana chip business thrives during this time. Onam, an annual celebration of unity, harvest, and cultural richness, brings together communities through various traditions. The festival, which falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam (August-September), honors the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the return of Emperor Mahabali, symbolizing the values of benevolence, compassion, and sacrifice.

The ten-day festival also celebrates the efforts of the farming community and expresses gratitude to Mother Nature. This year's Onam is being celebrated from September 6 to 15. Highlights of the celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), and Atthachamayam (folk songs and dances) alongside the grand Sadya feast.

(With inputs from agencies.)