President Mukherjee to today attend special Onam programme

President Pranab Mukherjee will today attend a special Onam programme called 'Kairali' at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Organised by the Government of Kerala, the programme will comprise of an ensemble of music and dance forms of Kerala such as Vadyam, Mohiniattam and Kathakali as well as a specially choreographed show portraying the Onam festival and the heritage of the state, which will include cultural forms such as Oppana, Mayura Nritham, Theyyam, Kalari, Kerala Natanam, Thiruvathira, and Margam Kali.

Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Governor of Kerala, Justice P. Sathasivam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Ministers are expected to be present the event.

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 calender month of Chingam when Lord Mahavishnu took his fifth avatar as Vaamana,appeared in the kingdom of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world.According to legend on Thiruvonam day,the spirit of King Mahabali visit the people of Kerala. Hence the day is marked by feast and festivities.

The people of Kerala will celebrate Onam on September 13 and 14.