ONAM CELEBRATION ON GCTE

ONAM CELEBRATION AT GCTE

Onam celbration gcte

GOVERNMENT COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (GCTE)

Report on Three-Day Onam Festival CelebrationIntroductionOnam is one of the most significant cultural festivals celebrated across the southern Indian state of Kerala. It marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali (Maveli), whose reign was believed to bring prosperity, equality, and happiness to the land. Onam is a harvest festival, observed during the Malayalam month of Chingam, and is deeply rooted in Kerala's agrarian history. The festival signifies unity, harmony, and the preservation of cultural heritage.Traditional rituals, the grand feast known as Onasadya, the creation of intricate floral carpets (Athapookalam), folk dances like Thiruvathira, songs, boat races, and sports all contribute to the vibrancy of this cultural event.The Government College of Teacher Education, Thiruvananthapuram (GCTE) conducted a grand three-day Onam festival celebration to bring together students, faculty, and staff in cultural unity and joy. The following is a detailed report of the celebrations conducted on the 26th, 27th, and 29th of 2025Day 1 – 26th August 2025The first day of the Onam celebration began with great enthusiasm and cultural spirit. The highlight of the day was the traditional feast, the Onasadya, where every student, teacher, and non-teaching staff member of the college came together to commemorate the festival. The invitation and programme committee extended warm invitations to guests and members of the institution.The food committee worked tirelessly to prepare a sumptuous feast, while the service and management of the grand meal were skillfully handled by the firstyear B.Ed and M.Ed students, under the administrative oversight of the Principal of the institution. The feast commenced at 12:30 PM and concluded by 3:00 PM, offering a delightful experience of Kerala’s culinary tradition.Following the feast, association programmes were held, providing a platform for cultural interaction and entertainment. Preparations for the Athapookalam (floral carpet) creation were initiated by the Art and Décor Committee, setting the stage for the next day's decorative displays.Day 2 – 27th September 2025The second day of the Onam celebration began early, with students arriving to prepare and rehearse for various group competitions. Both staff and students adorned traditional attire to commemorate the spirit of Onam. The Art and Décor Committee, with active support from staff and students, completed the Athapookalam by 10:00 AM, which was followed by the official inauguration of the event by the Vice Principal, alongside teachers and students.Later in the day, a special outreach programme was held at a nearby Government Model School as part of the GCTE Onam celebrations. The chief guest of this unique program was King Maveli, portrayed by a first-year B.Ed student, who captivated the audience with a warm speech. The school principal delivered the official welcome address, after which a variety of events and performances related to Onam were conducted by both the school and GCTE students.In the afternoon, group-based competitions on various festival-themed events were held at the GCTE hall. The celebrations commenced with a special group song performed by the college’s teacher group, followed by a sequence of student performances including group songs, the elegant Thiruvathira dance, solo songs, and other cultural activities, keeping the festive spirit alive throughout the day.Day 3 – 29th September 2025The third and final day of the celebration was entirely dedicated to traditional Onam-related sports and games, fostering teamwork and joy among participants. The games included Uri Adi (blindfolded pot-breaking competition), Lemon and Spoon race, Kasara Kali (rotating chair game), and Vadam Vali (tug of war). These events filled the campus with laughter, excitement, and cultural nostalgia.In the afternoon, a grand gathering was held at the GCTE hall, organized by the school administration. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the competitions, acknowledging their enthusiasm and participation. The Principal, Dr. Sujith, delivered the official concluding statement, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all committees, staff, and students for their unwavering cooperation and cultural dedication.The three-day Onam festival celebration at GCTE not only strengthened the bond among the academic community but also upheld the cultural heritage and joyous spirit of Kerala, leaving behind cherished memories for everyone involved