Amit Shah’s Happy Vamana Jayanthi for Malayalis

Meanwhile, BJP President Kummanom Rajasekharan termed the controversy as “unnecessary”.

It is only logical that there is an outrage against Shah. The festival is all about celebrating on the grand Onasadya (Onam feast), shopping, social reunions and welcoming King Mahabali by spreading good blessings.

Kerala is gearing up for the grand festival of Onam festival which falls on September 14. Malayalis across the world prepare Sadhya with traditional Onam recipes. “RSS can not change our Onam concepts”.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam said, “The festive season of Onam has come again and I am immensely happy to convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Kerala and Malayalis all over the world”. “That’s not the party stand, it’s the personal opinion of the writer”, a state BJP leader told media. Even during the Onam festival and associated ceremonies, Vaman is the main deity and object of devotion. “Thousands of people have been worshipping Thrikkakara Temple, one of the temples dedicated to Lord Vamana”. Basically, Onam sadhya is vegetarian, but in some parts of Kerala, meat and fish is also included.

The write-up claimed that Lord Vishnu had actually “blessed” the demon king and not “punished” him by pushing into “pathala” (netherworld). That is why they are projecting sacred thread-wearing Vaman over Mahabali. Thus, goes the story.

Legend says that Mahabali ruled over Kerala during a bygone golden era.

In an article that appeared in the RSS mouthpiece Kesari, it is said that Thiruvonam means Vamana Jayanthi. In fact, it is the celebration of the birth of Vamana. What if many were bamboozled by Shah’s invocation of the pint-sized Brahmin who deceitfully forced the asura king Mahabali into exile? This wasn’t the deal when he left Kerala for the netherworld. The Onam sadya recalls abundance; in the absence of Mahabali, there would be no feast. It’s about memories. A time when the poor makes an attempt to dream of a society that treats everyone equally.

Shah’s tweet seemed to signal a similar belief. Instead, it would create division in public opinion on what really Onam is and what should it be called henceforth.

60-year-old Pushpa, who hails from Kozhikode, a district famous for its non-vegetarian cuisine says that not only is non-vegetarian food part of their Onam sadhya, but the family can not think of celebrating any festival without meat.

Shah has not yet given a response to Vijayan’s demand.