Thiruvananthapuram, 26 August (H.S.): Malayalis across the world are celebrating Thiruvonam on Wednesday, welcoming the festival as a symbol of hope, prosperity and the return of happier times.

This year's celebrations are unusual because Atham, which marks the beginning of the Onam festivities, fell in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Consequently, Thiruvonam is being celebrated on the 11th day after Atham instead of the customary tenth day.

The variation occurred because the Chothi star extended across two sunrises. Since Thiruvonam must be celebrated during the Thiruvonam star in the month of Chingam, the festivities began with Atham in Karkidakam and continued for 11 days.

Despite changing lifestyles, Onam continues to retain its traditional charm. The festival represents the hope of a prosperous and harmonious future and offers Malayalis everywhere an opportunity to reunite with family and friends.

Homes have been decorated with floral carpets made from traditional flowers such as mukkutti, kashithumba and kannanthali to welcome the mythical King Mahabali. While the style and scale of the celebrations have evolved over the years, the spirit of Onam remains deeply rooted in Kerala's culture.

Following the preparation of the floral carpets, families turned their attention to the elaborate Onasadya, the traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Kitchens remained busy as households prepared a variety of dishes for the festive meal.

Markets across Kerala witnessed heavy crowds on Uthradam, the day preceding Thiruvonam. Intermittent rain failed to dampen the festive enthusiasm, with shoppers thronging textile outlets, supermarkets, vegetable stalls and fruit markets from early morning.

For Malayalis living outside Kerala and abroad, community gatherings and cultural programmes added to the celebrations. Blending tradition with modernity, Thiruvonam once again brought together Malayalis worldwide in a shared celebration of happiness, unity and abundance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman