Onam is the single-most important festival in Kerala. Onam, the harvest festival which is a ten-day-long observance began on August 15, 2018 (Atham) and will be celebrated largely on the tenth day (Thiruvonam), which is falling on August 25 this year. For Malayalis, Onam represents optimism, prosperity and happiness because it is a harvest festival where the agrarian community of Kerala literally reaps the benefits of their hard work.

Onam is also celebrated in a secular way where people belonging to all communities in the state partake in the festivities. In the aftermath of the Kerala floods, Onam celebrations may not be carried out this year in Malayali households with the same fervour as the years before. So if you have friends who are Keralites, cheer them up with these Onam wishes that can be sent as Whatsapp greetings, Gif Images Facebook quotes and SMSes, written exclusively in Malayalam. And if you don't understand the language, we have translations for the same!

(Photo Credits: File photo)

Message in Malyalam Reads: Ormakaludeyum, Nanmakaludeyum, Aakhoshangaludeyum, Malayaliyudeyum Onam Varavai.

Message Meaning: The Onam of memories, goodness, celebrations for the Malayali is arriving.

(Photo Credits: File photo)

Message in Malyalam Reads:  Ellavarkkum hridayam niranja Onashamsagal.

Message Meaning: Wishing everyone heart-felt Onam wishes.

(Photo Credits: File photo)

Message in Malyalam Reads: Snehatthode aayiram aayiram Onashamsagal.

Message Meaning: A thousand Onam wishes (to you) with love.

(Photo Credits: File photo)

Message in Malyalam Reads: Hridayam niranja Onashamsagal.

Message Meaning:  Heartfelt Onam wishes to you.

(Photo Credits: File photo)

Message in Malyalam Reads: Aishwaryathindeyum, samruddhiyudeyum thiruvonasamsagal.

Message Meaning: Wishing you a happy Onam of prosperity and plenitude.

Onam is a great time to be in Kerala. The atmosphere is charged with happiness and excitement and the scenery turns verdant. The people of Kerala celebrate the festival with a lot of cultural programmes and flower arrangements also known as pookalam or flower rangoli. Perhaps the best part about the Onam festivities is the food. The dishes are easy to prepare. So why don't you do something different for Onam this year and try putting up a sadhya at home? 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2018 06:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).