Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam Thursday greeted the people of Kerala and all Malayalis on the eve of Onam festival.
"Onam, the national festival of Kerala, represents the evergreen memories of an entire land and its people, cutting across caste and creed. It is at once a reminder of a golden past and an inspiring aspiration for a prosperous future," he said in his message.
Onam will be celebrated acorss the state with traditional fervour and gaiety tomorrow.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his cabinet colleagues, including Ramesh Chennithala, K Babu, K M Mani, P K Kunhalikutty and Shibu Baby John also offered their Onam greetings to Malayalis all over the world.
Onam is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, who according to legend ruled the state once, under whom the people were equal, prosperous and happy.
People believe that it was on this particular day of Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam when Lord Mahavishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana, appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to the netherworld.
According to legend, on Thiruvonam day the spirit of King Mahabali visits the people of Kerala.