News & Pics: Divya Lad, Adithya Ramachandran
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (VA)

Udupi, Aug 28: The festival of Onam was celebrated at the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) on Friday Aug 27.

The students gathered at the college lobby early morning to make beautiful pookkalam (floral designs).

The stage programme commenced at 6.00 pm. Anice George Jain, dean and director of MCONS was the chief guest. He along with Vardesh Hiregange, director of MIC and Jutta Schumann, a teacher from Germany, lit the traditional lamp.

Student Meera Menon highlighted the historical background of Onam. She also recited a few Malayalam songs from her own collection. It was followed by a group song in Malayalam. Thiruvathira Kali dance performed by the girls was a major attraction.

“The celebration gave us a great insight into the Malayalee culture. Eventhough I’ am not a Malayalee I have worn a traditional saree to join the festive mood and we had great fun”, said Anusha Ravishankar, student of MIC.

Deepu Nair, a post graduate student of MIC, made a grand entrance as King Mahabali to add more spirit to the festive mood. A tug-of-war competition was held which ended the celebrations on a high note. The audiences were then treated with a true Kerala style payasam.

“Unfortunately we had to celebrate it after five days but it turned out to be an amazing occasion with a huge turn-out,” said Shivakant Menon, student of MIC.