The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion of Onam, which is being celebrated tomorrow, has said: -

"On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I express my warm greetings to the people of Kerala, and all Malayalis across India and the world.

Onam celebrates the return to Kerala by its legendary King Mahabali who was loved by his subjects for being a just and benevolent ruler. The people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, religion and economic status join the festivities, giving it a strong secular mooring. Onam symbolizes the yearning of people for a just and caring social order as well as a political system that gives primacy to good governance.

May this festival inspire us to redouble our efforts to achieve the constitutional vision of a society marked by justice – social, economic and political. May Kerala’s joy in this festive season pervade the entire country”.

This release issued at 1535 hrs.