The Governor of Goa, Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, has extended his heartiest greetings and warm wishes to the people of Goa and particularly his brethren from Kerala and other Keralites all over the world on the occasion of Onam.
In this message, the Governor said that, Onam is the most important and traditional festival of Kerala and people of Kerala celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and gaiety, irrespective of caste, class and community.
He said, according to legends, Onam festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali to the State of Kerala who ruled a Kerala a long time ago and looked after the welfare of the people. It is a 10 day festival and each day of this festival carries unique importance. Thus people celebrate each of them uniquely. Another important aspect of this festival is the Onam Sadhya. It is basically a feast containing all types of vegetarian dishes. It is quite lavish and is served on the last day of the festival. A huge variety of dishes are prepared and people serve them on the banana leaves.
The celebration of this traditional festival allows us to socialize and promote social solidarity, goodwill and amity among various sections of the society. Onam is a festival to reincarnate a past of prosperity and goodness. May this auspicious occasion of Onam celebrations bring renewed joy, peace and prosperity to the people of Goa, the Governor concluded.
