Onam at HCAS: A Festival of Joy, Culture, and Togetherness.
Onam, the vibrant festival of Kerala, is not just a celebration; it is a beautiful expression of tradition, unity, and happiness. At Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Onam is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a colourful mélange of culture and community spirit.
A Grand Beginning
The Onam festivities at Hindustan College began with the traditional pookalam (floral carpet). Students from various departments came together to create intricate and stunning floral designs, showcasing their creativity and teamwork.
Traditional Attire and Cultural Splendor
On the day of the celebration, the campus came alive with students dressed in traditional Kerala attire – women in elegant kasavu sarees and men in mundu and shirts. The highlight of the event was the cultural performances, where students put on a spectacular show featuring Thiruvathira, folk dance, and group songs with traditional music.Each performance was a tribute to the traditions that make Onam such a unique and cherished festival.
Onasadhya – The Grand Feast
Without the well-known Onasadhya, a sumptuous vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, no Onam celebration would be complete. A special sadhya featuring a variety of delectable dishes such as avial, olan, sambar, parippu, pachadi, and the beloved payasam was organized for the faculty and students at Hindustan College. There is a strong sense of belonging and community when this meal is shared.
Games and Fun Activities
The college arranged a number of traditional Onam games, including Musical chairs, Uriyadi, and Vadamvali, to further enhance the joyous ambiance. These exercises fostered a culture of good competition, teamwork, and laughter.
Hindustan College of Arts & Science’s Onam celebration serves as a lovely reminder of the value of community, culture, and tradition. It gave the students a chance to appreciate and learn about India’s rich cultural heritage in addition to celebrating it. Each year, the celebrations leave behind treasured memories of happiness, laughter, and camaraderie that help to fortify the ties that bind the college community together.
Festivals like Onam are more than just occasions at Hindustan College; they are lifelong memories.
Written by:
Neena
Faculty – Department of Languages
Hindustan College of Arts and Science