Catholic bishops urge unity during Kerala harvest festival

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Catholic leaders in Kerala have urged residents to make the Onam harvest festival a moment to foster unity, love, and human brotherhood transcending religious and communal considerations.

The festival this year on August 26 falls on an “auspicious” day in the first month of Kerala’s Malayalam calendar, which is linked to Hindu gods. But as a traditional part of the region’s agrarian culture, it is celebrated in various religions.

In a joint press release, the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal of Calicut, Vice-President Bishop Samuel Irenios Kattukallil of Pathanamthitta, and Secretary-General Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of Changanacherry expressed their wishes that “the Onam celebrations a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage and unity-bring peace, prosperity, and togetherness”.

They stated that “Onam festivities should serve as an occasion to share and foster human brotherhood, unity, love, peace, goodness, and patriotism, transcending religious and communal considerations”.

In their message of greetings, they observed that “stories shape human culture and that the story of Onam represents one such uplifting narrative”. They added that “the legend of King Mahabali, which inspires people to dream of a better tomorrow free from falsehood and deceit, remains relevant for all times”.

Shared cultural heritage

The Latin, Syro Malabar Church and Syro Malankara churches in Kerala view Onam as an expression of Malayali cultural pride. Church authorities clarify that traditions like floral carpets and large feasts are communal celebrations of brotherhood and God’s creation, devoid of Hindu ritualistic worship. Kerala Catholics celebrate Onam as a secular and cultural festival of harvest, community, and social harmony rather than a religious observance.

Hindus believe that during Onam, Mahabali, a benevolent king who once ruled Kerala, visits their houses. Legends say people enjoyed prosperity during his reign, treating each other justly and living honestly. People from all religions celebrate Onam, in which sports and cultural activities are staged, and finishes with a lavish communal or family vegetarian meal.

Now, morning prayers, a sumptuous vegetarian lunch and an afternoon full of drama and dance mark the mythical king’s annual “visit”.

Catholics in Kerala organized religious and cultural activities to celebrate the southern Indian state’s biggest harvest festival. As Hindus flocked to temples for special offerings to mark Onam, several parishes across the state held special Masses and other programs.

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.