Of all the events and programmes the Government College for Women conducts, Onam celebration is perhaps the one that witnesses the coming together of students from every department in one venue. Heralding Onam, the final day before the college closes for holidays was, quite literally, a colourful affair.
The ‘pookkalam’ competition turned the drab auditorium into a kaleidoscope of vivid hues, with 16 teams representing the main departments making the signature floral carpet, a tradition that is synonyms with Onam, within the two-and-a-half hours they were allotted. Finally, the Department of Botany walked away with the top prize.
“We organised a ‘payasam’ mela last week, but ‘pookkalam’ is the only competition we are organising as part of Onam. Various cultural programmes will also be organised on the day,” said Suma S., professor at the Hindi Department.
The Parent Teacher Association and the Continuing Education Centre sponsored the prizes for the winners, with teams winning the first, second and third place given cash awards, besides consolation prizes to five teams.
Ms. Suma added that the winning team would represent the college in the ‘pookkalam’ competition to be organised by the Department of Tourism on August 28. “They will also take part in the contest being organised by The Hindu MetroPlus,” she said.
With most of the students clad in the hallmark cream-and-gold sarees, a swing set up behind the auditorium and payasam being served to all, the ‘pookkalams’ added to the festive air, palpable within the campus.
Keywords: Onam, floral carpets, pookkalam
