President greets Malayalis people on Onam eve

President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday greeted Malayalis across India and the world on the eve of Onam, the state festival of Kerala.

"On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I express my warm greetings to the people of Kerala, and all Malayalis across India and the world, Mukherjee said in a message.

Onam is celebrated to mark the return of its legendary King Mahabali to Kerala, who was loved by his subjects for being a just and benevolent ruler. The people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, religion and economic status join the festivities, giving it a strong secular mooring.

Onam symbolizes the yearning of people for a just and caring social order as well as a political system that gives primacy to good governance.

"May this festival inspire us to redouble our efforts to achieve the constitutional vision of a society marked by justice - social, economic and political. May Kerala's joy in this festive season pervade the entire country," he added.