THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvonam... Onam which brings the light of unity. Malayalees, who have been wearing masks for the past three years, will welcome Onam without one and with a smile this time.

It was rainy and cloudy in the last Onam days but now the sky is clear. The heat is intense but the streets are busy. Although the methods have changed a lot, the concept of Onam is still colourful. Malayalis all over the world are celebrating by shopping for everything. Expatriates who could not return home in previous years have also arrived this time. Celebrations are everywhere to clear the gap made by the past three years.

For farmers, Onam is also a harvest festival. Even though agriculture and agricultural prosperity have become a myth, Malayali's Onam celebrations do not lack its shine. The preparations that started on the day of Atham will be completed today on Thiruvonam.