Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 August 2025
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andaman & Nicobar Islands has formally requested the Union Territory Administration to raise the upcoming Onam pageant from a Restricted Holiday to a Public Holiday.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, BJP A&N Islands Chief Spokesperson Dr. T.Ok. Jijith Rekh recalled that Onam had earlier been declared a Public Holiday by the then Lt. Governor, Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman — a call warmly welcomed by the general public.
Noting that Onam, to be celebrated on September 5 this yr, holds deep cultural significance for the Malayali neighborhood and can also be embraced by numerous different communities throughout the islands, Dr. Jijith stated, “Restoring Onam as a Public Holiday will be a gesture of respect towards cultural diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the true spirit of unity in our islands.”
The BJP has urged the Administration to take an early determination to permit residents to have a good time the pageant in its full spirit.
