DIMAPUR — Onam, an annual harvest and cultural festival of the Malayali community, was celebrated at Dr. Imkongliba Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on Sunday, with Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan as the chief guest of the event.
In his address, the governor expressed his pleasure be a part of Onam celebration of the Malayali community of Kohima, even though Onam festival was celebrated about a fortnight back in Kerala, an update from PRO Raj Bhavan stated.
“Onam is a unique festival which promotes unity and harmony in the social fabric of the Malayalis who celebrate Onam without any ill feeling of religion, caste or creed. Though the celebration is related to the Hindu mythology of King Mahabali and Vamana, people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion and status celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm,” Ganesan said.
He said that in modern times, such kind of social gatherings cement social bonds and promote cultural heritage.
According to Ganesan, one of the most important significances of Onam he experienced during his short stay in Kerala was that Malayalis are usually very adventurous and will go to any part of the world for their livelihoods, but they come back during Onam, at least for a few days, to their families and neighborhood, thereby reinforcing family bonds and commitment to the society.
He went on to state that one of the activities during the Onam celebrations in Kerala is that both the rich and the poor feast together and have the same kind of food served on banana leaves.
“During Onam the rich and the poor, the so called Savarnas or Avarnas, Christians, Hindus or Muslims, take part in all kinds of games and entertainments, and that Onam is a time for celebration and happiness, bringing people from all backgrounds together in a spirit of truth, peace, joy, and prosperity,” he added.
Further, the governor urged everyone to be inspired by the spirit of inclusivity and goodwill, and aim to cultivate a society that embraces its diversity and fosters an environment where everyone can thrive in unity.
During the celebration, various cultural presentations were displayed by the Malayali community.
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