Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 26 August extended warm greetings to citizens across India and abroad on the occasion of Onam and Eid Milad-un-Nabi, calling for happiness, togetherness, and prosperity. The dual outreach, shared via posts on social media platform X, underscored the convergence of two major festivals observed on the same day.

Modi's Onam and Eid Messages

Wishing the nation on Onam, the Prime Minister wrote: 'Wishing everyone a beautiful Onam. This is a vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world. May this festival further empower the spirit of happiness, togetherness, and prosperity.'

On Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Modi said: 'Eid Mubarak! Greetings on Milad-un-Nabi. I hope this occasion furthers togetherness and joy all around us. May the spirit of kindness and giving back to society always guide us.'

What Is Onam and Why It Is Celebrated

Onam is Kerala's grandest harvest festival, observed over 10 days during the Malayalam month of Chingam, typically falling in August or September. The most significant day, Thiruvonam, fell on Wednesday this year, according to Drik Panchang.

Rooted in Hindu mythology, Onam marks the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali — remembered as a just and generous ruler who presided over an era of peace and abundance. Legend holds that Lord Vishnu, in the form of the dwarf Vamana, asked Mahabali for three paces of land, then expanded to cover the Earth and heavens in two steps. Moved by the king's selfless devotion, Vishnu granted him the boon of returning to his people once every year — a return that Onam celebrates.

Significance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi

Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid — derived from the Arabic for 'to give birth' — marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, observed on the 12th day of Rabi' ul-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. This year, observances in India began on 25 August and continued through 26 August.

Prophet Muhammad was born in Rabi' ul-awwal in 570 AD and is regarded as the founder of Islam and its final prophet. His teachings, preserved in the Hadith, emphasise selflessness and forgiveness. He passed away on his 63rd birthday.

Historically, Milad-un-Nabi celebrations trace back to early Islamic centuries, with the day gaining wider prominence during the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, according to multiple historical accounts. The observance subsequently spread across West Asia and South Asia and is today marked in countries including Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, and Germany.

A Day of Cultural Convergence

The simultaneous observance of Onam and Eid Milad-un-Nabi on the same date is notable. Modi's joint message reflects a broader political and cultural tradition of the Prime Minister publicly acknowledging major religious occasions across communities. The festivals together draw participation from millions of Hindus and Muslims in India and the global diaspora.

As celebrations continue through the day, the Prime Minister's appeal for 'kindness and giving back to society' is likely to resonate in a year marked by heightened focus on communal harmony.