New Delhi, August 31: On the auspicious occasion of Onam 2020, political leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and a host of other leaders greeted people of the nation on the joyous occasion. Several Congress leaders including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor among others also extended their greetings to people of the nation, especially Keralites.

Taking to Twitter, the President said the festival of Onam is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and an expression of our gratitude to Mother Nature. "Onam greetings to everyone! The festival of Onam is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and an expression of our gratitude to Mother Nature at the arrival of new crop. Let us take care of people from the weaker sections of the society and follow guidelines to contain COVID-19", he tweeted. Onam 2020 Celebrations During COVID-19 Times.

Here's the tweet by President Ram Nath Kovind:

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister greeted 'Happy Onam' to all Malayalees and said that Onam is a celebration of friendship and unity and the festival is an opportunity to express our gratitude to our hard working farmers, he said in a tweet in Malayalam. "Greetings on Onam. This is a unique festival, which celebrates harmony. It is also an occasion to express gratitude to our hardworking farmers. May everyone be blessed with joy and best health", he said in another tweet.

Here's the tweet by PM Narendra Modi:

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu took to Twitter and greeted people of the nation on the festival. He said Onam is celebrated to honor the memory of legendary King Mahabali, compassionate ruler of Kerala. "On this Onam, let us remind ourselves of the values of honesty, integrity, compassion, selflessness & sacrifice which the great king Mahabali espoused. May this joyous festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness to everyone", he said.

Here's the tweet by Venkaiah Naidu:

Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her message to people on Onam said may the spirit of Onam - the harvest, regeneration & purity of Sadhya inspire to overcome the challenges of COVID-19. "Let the spirit of inclusiveness & sharing transcend all barriers & add colors of health, happiness & prosperity to all. #HappyOnam!", the Congress tweeted.

Here's the tweet by Congress on Behalf of Sonia Gandhi:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too extended his wishes on Onam. "May this festival of Onam usher in good health, happiness and prosperity for everyone", he said.

Here's the tweet by Rahul Gandhi:

This year, Onam began on August 22 and ends today, i.e. on August 31. Onam, the biggest annual festival of Kerala. It falls on the Thiruvonam day in the month of 'Chingam' in the Malayalam calendar and is celebrated by all Keralites, cutting across class, caste and religious barriers. According to mythology, Kerala was once ruled by "Mahabali", a generous Asura (demon) king.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2020 09:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).