For the celebration on Onam this year, the Kerala government has decided to give more than 6 lakh free Onam kits to low-income families and inmates of welfare facilities in the state.The decision was made at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, according to a statement from the chief ministers office.“Kerala cabinet has decided to distribute free Onam kits containing essential items to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders and residents of welfare institutions in the state on the occasion of Onam 2023,” it said.“The kit will contain tea, whole and split varieties of green gram, semolina payasam mix, ghee, cashew nuts, coconut oil, sambar powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, toor dal, powdered salt and a cloth bag,” the statement said.The administration in the meeting decided that out of the 6,07,691 kits to be distributed, 5,87,691 will go to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders and the remaining 20,000 to residents of welfare institutions.How is Onam celebratedOnam, the festival celebrated through various ritual by one and all to honour the memory of legendary King Mahabali, who according to legends is to be visited India on the occasion of this day.The 10-day celebration will mark the Malayalam New Year and conclude with Thiruvonam. The harvest festival is mainly celebrated by Malayalees. People celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm by decorating their houses with Rangoli and engaging themselves in activities like boat races, flower arrangements and tug of war among others.
