Today is Thiruvonam. The day of happiness when Malayalis all around the globe get unified in celebrations to see the return of the righteous king Mahabali. Malayalis make sure to keep aside all quibbles alerting their life and will spend this one day in the utmost luxury possible. This festival echoes a spirit of unification among Keralites. All shortcomings and faults will have no mention on this special day, as happiness and enjoyment reign supreme power over everything.

This year’s Onam is special for many reasons. After the calamitous floods of 2018 and the COVID pandemic that shook the world from 2020 to 2022, Kerala is back again celebrating Onam in full vigor. Albeit political controversies and heart-wrenching tragedies burgeoning in recent times, Malayalis will care less about anything and will be sailing in the festive spirits of Onam during Thiruvonam day. It is an innate trait to boast about.

Even during the dangerous COVID times, when people were forced to enjoy indoor life, Malayalis found some means to celebrate Thiruvonam. The feeling says that Thiruvonam is not something to be missed because of the pandemic.

Even though Kerala is facing a crippled economy, the government made many leeway to help people in the state celebrate onam in its true colors. This year’s onam kit distribution was restricted to simply the most vulnerable sections of society. It is a pragmatic step by the government that deserves applause. People who can afford to celebrate onam on their own don’t need any onam kit from the government. More such help should reach people who deserve it the most.

No matter how many controversies arise, Onam is an occasion of joy and hope for the common man. They will celebrate Onam with family paying less heed to whatever tragedy happening across the world. Even in faraway lands, enthusiasm is no short among Malayalis. The strong grouping of Malayalis in foreign lands helps them celebrate onam in the same vigor as in Kerala.

Mostly in Karkidaka masam, it is said that rains will lash across Kerala. However, this year proved to be an anomaly as scorching heat continue its rogue run sweating people to weariness.

The common man is also relieved that the market is now freed from the massive price hikes that were seen a few months ago. The situation would have been better if the government had intervened much earlier in the issue.