Kochi Business School celebrated Onam in grand style on 15th September 2024, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a joyous celebration of togetherness. At Kochi Business School (KBS), we believe that the essence of education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about embracing diverse cultures, traditions, and values that make us who we are. One of the most vibrant and eagerly awaited festivals in Kerala is Onam, a festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and unity of the people of Kerala.
Onam is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a mythical figure in Kerala's folklore. It is a time of happiness, prosperity, and unity, where people of all ages come together to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the joyous spirit of life. Onam was celebrated with great enthusiasm, and every year, the entire campus is decorated in traditional colours, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity. The event becomes a beautiful fusion of academic rigor and cultural expression, as students from diverse backgrounds come together to experience and celebrate Kerala's most iconic festival.
The celebration included Onam Sadhya, a traditional Kerala feast that features a variety of delicious dishes served on a banana leaf. Students and faculty members joined together to enjoy an extravagant spread of traditional Kerala dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, olan, pachadi, and a variety of pickles and desserts. The joy of sharing a meal as a community is central to the spirit of Onam at KBS. The Sadya represents more than just food; it symbolizes the values of unity, abundance, and celebration, all of which are core to the Onam festival.
Students come together to design and create beautiful Pookalams in the campus courtyard. The Pookalam competition is a lively and creative event that brings out the artistic talents of the students. The process of making the Pookalam was fun, collaborative activity that encouraged teamwork and creativity. It also serves as a reminder of Kerala’s rich tradition of using natural beauty to enhance celebrations. The sight of the vibrant, flower-strewn designs is one of the most captivating parts of KBS's Onam celebrations.
Onam is incomplete without the traditional cultural performances that form the heart of the festival. The campus alive with a variety of performances that showcase the cultural diversity of Kerala. These performances are not only a celebration of Kerala's rich arts and culture but also an opportunity for students to showcase their talents.
Students also participate in various fun-filled activities, such as Onam games like Tug of War, Boat Races, and Lemon Spoon Races. These games bring out the playful spirit of the festival and foster camaraderie among students, providing a break from academic rigor while reinforcing the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Onam is a festival that transcends age, background, and differences. It is a time for people to come together and reflect on the values of harmony, prosperity, and community. At Kochi Business School, the Onam celebrations was a reminder of the importance of these values in both our personal and professional lives. It was the time to set aside differences, strengthen relationships, and bond as a family—something that mirrors the spirit of KBS.
Here’s to many more vibrant Onam celebrations at KBS—where every festival is an opportunity to celebrate life, unity, and shared success.
