Onam was celebrated at Dr. Imkongliba Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on October 6.

Speaking at the celebration as the Chief Guest, Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan said that he was pleased to be a part of Onam celebration of the Malayali community of Kohima. Even though Onam festival was celebrated about a fortnight back in Kerala, he said he was thrilled to be a part of this belated Onam celebration as it fills the heart with joy and bring a piece of home to those who are far away from home here in Nagaland.

“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”, the Governor said.

He stated that In this modern time, these kinds of social gatherings cement social bonds and promote our cultural heritage. 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 to the neighborhood during the Onam celebrations and reinforce family bonds and the commitment to the society, the Governor further added.

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On the activities done during the celebration, the Governor said that, in Kerala, both the rich and the poor together partake in the feast and have the same kind of food and not in any fancy plates but on our natural banana leaves. The rich and the poor put on new dresses but not any fancy dress but Mundu, Neriyath, Kavini, Setmundu, etc. 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.

The Governor said he was encouraged by the wonderful response and participation in the celebration, and he 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.