Kochi: Onam is a celebration of unity, and festivals that transcend divisions have the power to bring society together, said Justice Devan Ramachandran. He was speaking after inaugurating Onamotsavam 2026, the Onam celebrations organised by the Ernakulam Press Club. He said Onam is a reminder of an era when all people were considered equal. A true Maveli Nadu can be realised only when society respects the rights of others and embraces and supports the vulnerable, he added. Kochi Mayor Adv. V.K. Minimon, MP Hibi Eden, MLAs Mohammed Shiyas and Deepak Joy, Deputy Mayor V.R. Sudheer, District Collector G. Priyanka, City Police Commissioner Kali Raj Mahesh Kumar, K. Babu, Prof. K.V. Thomas, CPI District Secretary N. Arun, BJP District President K.S. Shaiju, Ernakulam Karayogam General Secretary P. Ramachandran, C.G. Rajagopal, councillors K.V.P. Krishnakumar, T.K. Ashraf, Henry Austin, Seena Gokulan and V.P. Chandran, former Mayor M. Anil Kumar, Pavizham Group Managing Director N.P. Antony and George Peter were among those who attended the event. In the floral carpet competition, the Mathrubhumi team secured first place, followed by the Malayala Manorama team in second and The Times of India team in third. In the tug-of-war competition, the Mathrubhumi team won the women’s category, while the mixed team finished second. In the men’s category, 24 News emerged victorious, with the Cochin Updates team securing second place.
