Bokaro: Sree Ayyappa Public School (SAPS), Bokaro, celebrated Onam on August 25, 2026, with great enthusiasm, cultural splendour and a strong spirit of togetherness. The celebration offered students and teachers an opportunity to experience the rich traditions, colours and cultural heritage associated with Kerala’s harvest festival.
Grand Entry of Mahabali and Vamana Sets the Festive Mood
The programme began with the grand arrival of King Mahabali, Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avatar and members of the Students’ Council dressed in traditional Kerala attire. Shreyas of Class 11-J, Cultural Secretary, portrayed the benevolent King Mahabali, while Setu Krishna of Class 10 appeared as Lord Vishnu. Shreyas Nair of Class 8 portrayed Vamana with grace and devotion. Their impressive presentation brought the legendary story of Onam alive for the audience.
Ceremonial Lamp Lighting Marks Auspicious Beginning
The festivities continued with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Vice Chairman Saseendran Karat, Treasurer Sri Balachandran, Director Dr. S. S. Mahapatra, Principal Mrs. P. Shailaja Jayakumar and Vice Principal Mr. Suresh Babu. Special Guest Sri Vasudevan Namboodiripad also participated in the ceremony. The lighting of the lamp symbolised knowledge, hope, unity and the auspicious beginning of the celebrations.
Coconut Festival Adds a Unique Cultural Flavour
A major attraction of the celebration was the inauguration of the Coconut Festival, marked by the ceremonial breaking of a coconut by Mahabali. Highlighting the versatility and cultural significance of coconut, the festival will continue until September 2, 2026.
A variety of coconut-based delicacies, including coconut shake, sweets, salad, coconut rice and coconut chutney, added a distinctive culinary flavour to the festivities. Parents and teachers also prepared a range of traditional dishes for the occasion.
Students Showcase Creativity Through Pookalam Competition
The colourful Pookalam Competition emerged as another major highlight of the celebration. Students from the six houses—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Periyar, Pumpa and Cauvery—displayed creativity, teamwork and artistic skills through vibrant floral designs.
The Inter-House Pookalam Competition saw Ganga House from Group-D secure first position, Yamuna House from Group-B win second position and Cauvery House from Group-E secure third position. The beautifully crafted floral arrangements reflected the festive spirit and the students’ appreciation of Kerala’s cultural traditions.
Thiruvathira and Kathakali Enrich Cultural Programme
The cultural programme further enhanced the festive atmosphere. Students from Classes 6 to 10, along with teachers of Pre-Nursery, presented the traditional Kerala dance Thiruvathira. Their coordinated movements and graceful performance captivated the audience.
This was followed by an impressive Kathakali performance by Arpita Thakur, showcasing the dramatic expressions and artistic richness of Kerala’s classical dance tradition.
Tiger Dance Becomes the Spotlight of the Celebration
The Tiger Dance (Pulli Kali) performed by the students became one of the biggest attractions of the festival. The energetic and colourful performance added excitement to the celebration and drew enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
Eco-Friendly Celebration Concludes with Plantation Drive
The celebrations concluded on an eco-friendly note with the planting of coconut saplings. The initiative symbolised growth, sustainability and the collective responsibility to protect and nurture nature for future generations.
School Management Extends Onam Greetings
Chairman P. Rajagopal, Vice Chairmen Saseendran Karat and Mohanan R. Nair, General Secretary E. S. Suseelan, Treasurer Balachandran, Director Board Member Suresh Kumar K. A. and Dr. Suresh Babu extended their warm Onam greetings to the students, teachers and parents.
They appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the school community and encouraged everyone to uphold the values of unity, compassion, cultural pride and environmental responsibility associated with the festival.
Director Highlights the Values of Diversity and Harmony
Dr. S. S. Mahapatra conveyed his heartfelt Onam greetings to the entire SAPS family. He appreciated the efforts of the teachers and students in showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and emphasised that festivals provide an opportunity to celebrate diversity, strengthen relationships and learn the values of harmony and togetherness.
Principal Emphasises Cultural Heritage and Environmental Responsibility
Principal. P. Shailaja Jayakumar wished everyone a joyful and prosperous Onam. She applauded the students and teachers for their enthusiastic participation and creative presentations.
She highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions while nurturing values such as cooperation, respect, gratitude and care for nature.
Festivities Leave Lasting Impression
The Onam celebration concluded on a joyous and memorable note, leaving students, teachers and parents with a renewed appreciation for Kerala’s vibrant cultural heritage. The colourful festivities, soulful performances, creative Pookalams, traditional cuisine and eco-friendly plantation initiative together transformed the occasion into a meaningful celebration of tradition, togetherness, sustainability and the enduring spirit of Onam.
