New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday greeted Malayalis across India and the world on the eve of Onam, the state festival of Kerala.

"On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I express my warm greetings to the people of Kerala, and all Malayalis across India and the world, Mukherjee said in a message.

Onam is celebrated to mark the return of its legendary King Mahabali to Kerala, who was loved by his subjects for being a just and benevolent ruler. The people of Kerala, irrespective of caste, religion and economic status join the festivities, giving it a strong secular mooring.

Onam symbolizes the yearning of people for a just and caring social order as well as a political system that gives primacy to good governance.

"May this festival inspire us to redouble our efforts to achieve the constitutional vision of a society marked by justice - social, economic and political. May Kerala's joy in this festive season pervade the entire country," he added.