Cutting across class, caste and religious barriers, Kerala celebrated Onam with pomp and gaiety after a two-year hiatus owing to Covid-19 pandemic. The 10-day long festival begun on August 30 and ended on September 8.
Social media platforms were flooded with greetings, wishes and videos on the auspicious celebrations. People took to social media to extend wishes and good luck to their near and dear ones.
But, a video clip of Hijab-clad schoolgirls dancing joyously during the celebration has taken the internet by storm.
What’s more interesting is that the Hijab-clad girls can also be seen wearing sarees. While Onam is considered to be Hindu festival, the participation of the hijab-clad school girls, that too wearing sarees, is winning over the internet.
The viral video is from Onam celebrations in a high school in Wandoor area of the Malappuram district. As part of the Onam celebrations held in their institution, several Hijab wearing students of Wandoor Government Girls Higher Secondary School can be seen dancing to music, wearing sarees along with their schoolmates.
A user shared the video and wrote, “Happy Onam.”
Similarly, another Twitterati, Comrade Mahabali tweeted, "Onam celebration at Wandoor higher secondary school, Malappuram. Dedicated to the low lives who say Onam is a Hindu festival and to our neighbour state that denied education to Hijab wearing girls."
The viral video has been received well across all platforms with people calling everyone to go beyond stereotypes and unite to make a better India.
Onam is the biggest annual festival of Kerala and is celebrated throughout the state, cutting across class, caste and religious barriers.
According to mythology, Kerala was once ruled by ‘Mahabali’, a generous Asura (demon) king. Everyone was equal and deception and theft were unheard during his reign.
However, the Gods, were envious of his popularity and pushed him down to the netherworld.
However, he was allowed to return to Kerala on Thiruvonam day every year and Keralites celebrate Onam as the homecoming of the legendary king.
Similarly, Onam is also celebrated to mark good harvest.
The festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and local traditions and customs.
They begin with the atham asterism in the month of Chingam (August/September) and Onam falls on Thiruvonam day.