Students from Kerala at Chandigarh University celebrated Onam

Students from Kerala at Chandigarh University celebrated Onam-The annual harvest festival in a traditional way  

Traditional dance Thiruvathira performed during the celebration of Onam at Chandigarh University

Onam the annual harvest festival of Kerala was celebrated by the students with great zeal and fervor at the campus of Chandigarh University. During the celebration the culture and heritage of Kerala was shown by students of Kerala by performing various activities . During the colorful and musical gala the students of Chandigarh University presented traditional folk dances of Kerala. More than 270 students from Southern states are presently studying in Chandigarh University under various courses. Dr. RS Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University was present during the celebration.

The programme started with atthapoovu (flower decoration), prayer song, arrival of King Mahabali and traditional Thiruvathira dance which was followed by fusion dance performed by the students from Kerala at Chandigarh University. Kathakali, which is the most famous among Kerala Dance forms, was performed by the Kerala students . During the celebration, Gopika K G who is from Kerala, student of M.A Clinical Psychology at Chandigarh University performed Bharatanatyam dance. While sharing the history of Onam, Anju Raj who is also from Kerala said, “Onam is one of the biggest festivals in the state of Kerala and it is marked by the harvest season of the standing crops which is celebrated for a period of 10 days.” She further said, “ The festival of Onam is also celebrated to honor the kind-hearted and much-beloved demon King Mahabali, who is believed to return to Kerala during this festival”.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. RS Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “The campus of Chandigarh University already exhibits cultural diversity with students from all the states of India and 40 countries of the world. The University has always been striving to make its students aware of different civilizations through cultural programs. He further said, “Onam festival is celebrated every year by the university. Cultural diversity is a great achievement of Chandigarh University, which gives the message of maintaining harmony to the students of different cultures and backgrounds.