Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to people across India on the occasions of Onam and Milad-un-Nabi, highlighting the values of happiness, prosperity, togetherness and social harmony.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister described Onam as a vibrant festival celebrated with enthusiasm in India and around the world. He expressed hope that the harvest festival would further strengthen the spirit of happiness, unity and prosperity.

In a separate greeting for Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, Modi wished people joy and togetherness. He said that the values of kindness and giving back to society should continue to guide people.

The two festivals are observed by communities across the country and carry messages of compassion, gratitude, peace and shared celebration. The greetings from the Prime Minister came as people marked the occasions with prayers, cultural programmes, family gatherings and community events.

The Prime Minister’s greetings focused on the role festivals play in bringing people together. Onam is primarily celebrated in Kerala and by Malayali communities worldwide, while Milad-un-Nabi commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.

Onam is a ten-day harvest festival associated with the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The celebrations culminate with Thiruvonam, regarded as the most significant day of the festival. Families traditionally decorate homes with Pookkalam floral arrangements, wear new clothes and prepare the Onasadya vegetarian feast, often served on banana leaves.

Milad-un-Nabi is marked through prayers, religious gatherings, charitable acts, devotional recitations and messages reflecting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. For many people, the day is an opportunity to renew commitments to compassion, service and peaceful coexistence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted people of Kerala on Onam and wished them peace, prosperity and well-being. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the festival as a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and unity.

Singh said Onam brings people together in joy and reflects gratitude towards nature. He also extended Milad-un-Nabi greetings, expressing hope for peace, prosperity and stronger compassion and harmony in society.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wished people happiness, peace and prosperity on Onam. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan offered greetings to farmers and citizens, hoping for good harvests and a year filled with hope, joy and harmony.

The messages from national and state leaders underlined the cultural importance of the festivals and their relevance beyond individual communities.

President Droupadi Murmu had extended her greetings on the eve of Onam and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. In her Onam message, she said the festival celebrates India’s rich culture and spirit of brotherhood while promoting unity in diversity. The President also noted traditions such as boat races, folk dances, music and sports, and described the festival as an occasion to express gratitude to nature at the arrival of the new harvest.

On Milad-un-Nabi, President Murmu said the occasion offers an opportunity to remember the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. She expressed hope that his ideals would inspire people to contribute towards an inclusive and developed India. As celebrations continue, the greetings from India’s leaders have placed the focus on shared values: peace, compassion, cultural pride, prosperity and a stronger sense of national togetherness.