A Grandeur of Tradition and Unity: School of AI Celebrates OnamAI 2025

School of AI was recently transformed into a vibrant tapestry of culture and tradition, as students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate Onam with unparalleled grandeur and grace. The air was filled with an infectious energy, marking a day of community, cultural reverence, and joyous festivity. From the radiant pookalams at the entrance to the thunderous applause that filled the halls, every moment was a testament to the spirited celebration of Kerala’s most cherished festival.

The day of grandeur commenced with a moment of profound cultural reverence: the ceremonial welcoming of the mythical King Mahabali. Adorned in a magnificent traditional costume, a student embodying the king was greeted with a standing ovation, symbolizing the community’s warm reception of the much-awaited figure. The procession was accompanied by the electrifying rhythms of the traditional chenda drums, setting a powerful and festive tone. Following this, the stage was captivated by the electrifying “Pulikali” performance. Dressed as vibrant, roaring tigers with bodies painted in intricate designs, the performers moved with a fierce grace, their choreographed steps and roars filling the hall with a wild and uninhibited energy that was met with a roar of applause.

Following this spectacle, the atmosphere shifted to one of elegant tradition. The soft glow of the traditional nilavilakku (lamp) became the focal point for the graceful “Thiruvathira,” where students moved in a synchronized circle. Their movements, a blend of gentle steps and graceful hand gestures, told a beautiful story of unity and devotion, casting a serene spell over the audience. The gentle rhythm of the Thiruvathira was soon replaced by the spirited chants of “Vanchipaattu,” a traditional boat song that filled the hall with a palpable sense of vigour and camaraderie. The stage was then illuminated by a series of high-energy dance performances. Each act, a kaleidoscope of colours and movements, showcased the diverse talent within the School of AI, covering the halls with thunderous applause and unwavering energy.

After a quick refreshment break, the energy was reignited with a series of traditional Onam games. The friendly competition brought everyone closer, as laughter and cheering echoed through the grounds. The spectacle of “Onathallu,” or traditional pillow fight, was a crowd favourite, with participants and spectators alike bursting with laughter. The sheer determination on display during the tug-of-war competition was a moment of pure, unadulterated fun, while the classic lemon and spoon race added a lighthearted touch to the day.

The celebration wound down as the hall was enveloped in the electrifying beats of a final dance session. The joyous finale was a fitting end to a day that not only honored the traditions of Kerala but also forged new bonds of community within the School of AI. It was a day where culture, fun, and unity came together, leaving everyone with cherished memories of an unforgettable Onam celebration. The event served as a beautiful reminder of the power of coming together to celebrate our shared heritage.