Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], August 26 (ANI): On the occasion of Thiruvonam, Prince Aditya Varma of the erstwhile Travancore royal family on Wednesday extended greetings to the people of Keralam and all over the world, wishing them prosperity, peace and good health.

Speaking to ANI, Varma said, 'Today being Thiruvonam, I wish the people of Kerala and all over the world a very happy Onam. May the year be filled with prosperity, peace and good health. Let all the people in the world live in peace.'

Thiruvonam is the most auspicious and significant day of the ten-day Onam festival, which is celebrated primarily in Keralam and marks the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.

The festival is observed with prayers, family gatherings and traditional celebrations, with people wearing new clothes, creating floral decorations known as Pookkalam and preparing the traditional vegetarian feast, Onasadya, served on a banana leaf.

In Thiruvananthapuram, a heavy rush was witnessed outside the Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Thiruvonam, with a large number of devotees arriving for darshan.

At the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur, a heavy rush of devotees was witnessed on the occasion, with special arrangements made to facilitate darshan.

Priority is being given to devotees standing in the general queue, while special darshan restrictions are in place from 6 am to 2 pm for the convenience of devotees.

Meanwhile, leaders across the political spectrum also extended greetings to people on the occasion.

Keralam Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan called for transcending caste and religious differences and promoting love, equality and unity.

'Transcending the thoughts of caste and religion, may Onam, the proud national festival of all Malayalees, convey the message of love, equality, and unity. Heartfelt Onam wishes to all Malayalees around the world!' Satheesan said in a post on X.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also extended his greetings, wishing people happiness, love, prosperity and peace on Thiruvonam.

'Happy #Onam to all! Wishing you happiness, love, prosperity and peace this Thiruvonam day and throughout the year ahead!' Tharoor said in a post on X. (ANI)