Starting the countdown from Atham day, Onam, Kerala’s traditional harvest festival, reached its crescendo on Thiruvonam (on August 29 this year). The whole state is overtaken by the festivities.
What makes Onam unique is its celebration of unity and inclusivity. People set aside all their differences to come together to celebrate. This, in essence, captures the egalitarian and secular traditions zealously preserved by Malayalis over centuries.
Fittingly, the core theme of the Onam celebrations organised by the state’s tourism department this year is “Onam, the Symphony of Harmony”.
In the Onam season, Kerala is usually at its visual best, fresh after the monsoons. It is another matter that Kerala, like many other parts of the country, received insufficient rainfall this year. Agriculture hasn’t fared too well. Yet, the administration didn’t make that an excuse not to carry on with its welfare schemes. The government has supplied kits of foodgrains and provisions to large sections of people. Charity? No! The government is simply living up to the true spirit of Onam, as it is the right of every Malayali to celebrate the festival.
Onam tells us that the vision of an egalitarian society has existed in Kerala since time immemorial. Legend has it that Mahabali, who ruled the land, ensured the total happiness of his subjects. With caste or creed never posing barriers, no one faced insecurity. This ideal is close to the ideology of the present administration.
Aptly, on Atham day at Tripunithura, which used to be the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Kochi, the CM highlighted the secular ethos Malayalis upheld even during the feudal era. Inaugurating the event, film star Mammootty went on to hail Mahabali as the world’s “first socialist” ruler.
However, we cannot lower our guard. Disruptive forces keep throwing up challenges to social harmony and cohesion. Of late, these forces have been trying to create wedges in society for political gain. Social media warriors are increasingly busy posting contorted views and facts to vitiate the public conversation. Onam is a reminder to guard against this threat. The youth have a special role in countering this danger.
Adding to our woes is a steady slide in central funds to Kerala. As official statistics point out, Kerala is grossly discriminated against by the Centre in devolution of its rightful share of resources.
Of late, waste management has been a major public issue in Kerala, especially in the face of rapid urbanisation. Taking this challenge head-on, we are going ahead with a well-planned campaign to address this key issue. The state has set a model for the country by launching the Rs 2,400-crore Kerala Solid Waste Management Project.
Our travel industry is also making a strong comeback in the post-pandemic times, thanks to the implementation of nature-friendly initiatives.
We have been pursuing an inclusive model of tourism promotion by gainfully engaging local communities, youth and women in a wide range of activities. Last year, the domestic tourist footfalls saw a record spurt. Foreign tourist arrivals too have started gaining momentum.
All these are amid the government’s Onam Week celebrations, up till September 2. Around 8,000 artistes, mostly of the indigenous genres, will perform in 30 venues in the state capital alone.
Let this festival of flowers be an occasion to re-dedicate ourselves to its core message of the essential oneness of humanity.
The writer is Minister for Tourism and Public Works, Government of Kerala
