Addressing the nation on Sunday during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the verve of the Onam festival can be felt everywhere and it is turning out to be an international festival.

“The zest of Onam today has reached distant shores of foreign lands. Be it America, Europe or Gulf countries, the verve of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning out to be an international festival,” the Prime Minister said.

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He also said that Onam is being celebrated with gaiety and fervour. ” This festival arrives in the month of Chingam. During this period, people buy something new, decorate their homes, prepare Pookalam, enjoy Onam-Saadiya. A variety of games, competitions also held,” he said adding that there is a close link between nature and Indian festivals.

“This is a time for festivals but at the same time, there is also a sense of discipline among people due to the COVID-19 situation,” he added.

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Onam festivities which began on August 30, have taken a backseat owing to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged people to celebrate the festival safely. “It rests with people to celebrate Onam safely. It has already been made clear that Onam celebrations should get restricted to homes,” the CM had said.