Onam

On the occasion of Onam, PM Modi extended greetings to the people of Kerala, on September 8. He stated that “the festival reaffirms the vital role of Mother Nature and the importance of our hardworking” farmers. Onam is a harvest festival, mainly celebrated by Malayalis. The 10-day illustrious festival is being observed from August 30 to September 8. The celebrations also mark the Malayalam new year.

On the occasion of Onam, PM Narendra Modi wished the nation on August 21 and tweeted, Onam is ''associated with positivity, brotherhood, and harmony. I pray for everyone's good health''. The festival marks the first month of the Malayalam Calendar and people celebrate it to ''commemorate the yield of new crops in the fields''. Meanwhile, Kerala Governor greeted the people of the state and other Malayalis all over the world. 

For the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases in Kerala, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on October 18 blamed the state government for showing laxity during the Onam celebrations. Citing this, the minister asked other states to take lessons from Kerala and take care ahead of the festive season. Reportedly, Kerala's Health Minister K K Shailaja had said that carelessness against COVID-19 was observed on the public's part during Onam.

Bollywood actress Malaika Arora on August 30 shared pictures of her Onam celebration with family at home. She shared the photos on her Instagram handle. The pictures displayed the actress and her family enjoying a meal together "after over five months". The family can be seen eating in traditional manner as the food was served on banana leaves. Many celebrities commented on her post.