New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on September 7 greeted people on the occasion of Onam and said that the festival had a special significance this year as the country had experienced good monsoons, which is "bringing prosperity, joy and happiness".

"I extend my heartiest wishes to the countrymen particularly to my Malayalee brothers and sisters all over the world, on the auspicious occasion of Onam. Being a harvest festival, Onam brings with it splashes of colour," Vajpayee said in his special message.

"After a gap of couple of years Rain God has been generous all over the country and is bringing prosperity, joy and happiness," he said.

"Farmers are rejoicing and the economy is in an upbeat mood. As we begin to harvest the well-earned fruits of our labour, we see the vision of a strong and self-sufficient India. Our farmers are key partners in the realisation of this vision," he said.

People of Kerala have shown tremendous entrepreneurship and determination for hard work, he said adding, "They have made a mark wherever they are and have earned recognition in all walks of life all over the world."

PTI