- As Keralites gear up to celebrate Onam, RSS has triggered a controversy by questioning the legend behind the festival, arguing that it marks the celebration of birth of 'Vamana' (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and not the homecoming of demon king Mahabali
- An article published in the Onam special edition of RSS mouthpiece ‘Kesari’ claimed there was no reference in any mythological scriptures to support the legend that ‘Vamana' had sent Mahabali to the netherworld through deceit and the king visits the land annually to meet his subjects
- Countering the argument, Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja said Onam was celebrated by all irrespective of caste, creed and religion and the attempt of the RSS was to bring back the bygone ‘upper class hegemony’ PTI