In flood-ravaged Kerala, spirit of Onam refuses to sink; PM Modi, President Kovind extend wishes
Kerala Onam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and hoped for the people of Kerala to overcome the 'adversities they have been facing for the past few days'.
This year's monsoon season may have spelt disaster for the people of Kerala but the road to recovery is not far behind. The same spirit was exhibited across the flood-ravaged state where Onam celebrations kicked off on an optimistic note.
Union and state ministers, along with diplomats and eminent personalities across the country, wished Onam to the people of Kerala and hoped for the state to cope with the adversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and hoped for the people of Kerala to overcome the "adversities they have been facing for the past few days."
"May this Onam give further strength to the people of Kerala to overcome the adversities they have been facing for the past few days. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with Kerala and prays for the happiness as well as the prosperity of its citizens," PM Modi tweeted.
President Kovind hoped that the festival would "mark a new beginning for all those in Kerala recovering in the aftermath of the floods".
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted out saying that Kerala will survive all the hardships today and will make good memories tomorrow.
Kerala's Minister of Finance, Thomas Issac, noted the enthusiasm and optimism in relief camps across Kerala. "Camps are celebrating Onam in high spirits: sumptuous feasts, games for children, cultural performances and merriment. We have succeeded in totally transforming the usually morose airs of the camps," his tweet read.
While displaced people in relief camps found hope and optimism in little celebrations, some temples in Kerala wore a plain look in solidarity with hundreds of those who lost lives in the deluge.
Shri Ayyappa Temple in Anachal has skipped the celebrations this year, officials told news agency ANI.
Kerala, which faced the worst floods and rainfall in its history in nearly 100 years, received a respite from unabated torrential rainfall this Monday. State authorities reported floodwaters receding across the state with rehabilitation work in full swing.
Although lakhs of people have returned home, there are still about 8.69 lakh people in 2287 relief camps across the state, officials said.
The destructive deluge in Kerala claimed nearly 400 lives this monsoon season.