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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the harvest of vegetables grown at the Secretariat campus, a part of the state's initiative to promote local vegetable cultivation in celebration of the Onam festival.
The project, named "Onattinu Oru Muram Pachakkarikari," aims to encourage community involvement in agriculture and enhance local food production. It was spearheaded by the state's agriculture department, encouraging citizens from all walks of life to participate in vegetable cultivation as part of the Onam festivities. In the lead-up to Onam, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala, local snack shops are experiencing a surge in business. Particularly notable is the sale of "Upperi," the popular banana chips that are a staple during the festival. "Customers are drawn to our shop by the sight of freshly made chips. These yellow chips, a specialty of Kerala, are a beloved treat during Onam," a local shopkeer in Kottayam told ANI. A shopkeeper, who migrated to Kerala from the North East years ago, said Onam is an auspicious occasion for him as he does roaring business of selling banana chips. Onam is a celebration of unity, harvest and cultural richness, binding communities in a tapestry of traditions. A major festival of Kerala, it falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August-September. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali and serves as a poignant reminder of the values of benevolence, compassion and sacrifice. The festival also honours the efforts of the farming community and is an occasion to express gratitude to Mother Nature for her bounty. The celebrations for Onam are held for ten days and the festival is being celebrated this year from September 6 to 15. Onam 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), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance) besides Sadya feast. (ANI)
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