REPORT ON ONAM CELEBRATION – CHAMAYAM 2026
September 01, 2026
The Student Nurses Association (SNA), Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal, organized the Onam Celebrations from 26th to 28th August 2026 with great enthusiasm and festive spirit. The celebrations aimed to bring together students, faculty, and non-teaching staff to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and traditions associated with Onam.
The celebrations comprised the Onam inauguration, Onam Sadhya, and the main cultural celebration, CHAMAYAM 2026.
Onam Inauguration – 26th August 2026
The Onam celebrations commenced with the inauguration held on 26th August 2026 at the ground floor of Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal. The program began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean, MCON; Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Associate Dean, MCON; Heads of Departments; and SNA members, marking the auspicious beginning of the festivities. As part of the inauguration, the SNA Club prepared a beautiful Pookalam, adding color and traditional charm to the festive ambiance. The event was attended by faculty members and students, who participated enthusiastically and came together to celebrate the spirit of Onam.
Onam Sadhya – 27th August 2026
On 27th August 2026, an Onam Sadhya was organized for the faculty members and non-teaching staff. The traditional feast provided an opportunity to celebrate Onam through Kerala's authentic flavors and culinary traditions. The Sadhya was organized by the SNA Club and the Cultural Committee Advisors at the Dr. Ramdas Pai Canteen, fostering a warm and festive atmosphere among the MCON family.
CHAMAYAM 2026 – 28th August 2026
The main Onam celebration, “CHAMAYAM 2026,” was held on 28th August 2026 on the 1st Floor of TMA Pai Hall, KMC, Manipal. The program featured a vibrant blend of traditional performances, cultural presentations, and fun-filled activities, encouraging active student participation and fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
The program commenced with a lively Maveli Entrance, which set the festive tone for the celebration, followed by a traditional Thiruvathira performance. The Dean’s Address added significance to the occasion and highlighted the importance of celebrating cultural traditions and togetherness. The celebrations continued with a series of traditional games, cultural performances, and entertainment activities. The various performances showcased the students' creativity, enthusiasm, and talent, while the traditional games added excitement and encouraged active participation.
The three-day Onam celebration provided a wonderful platform for the students, faculty, and non-teaching staff of Manipal College of Nursing to come together and celebrate Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. CHAMAYAM 2026 successfully captured the true essence of Onam through tradition, togetherness, joy, and unity. The program contributed to the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, as target 11.4 focuses on strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage.
