ONAM CELEBRATION AT MANOMITRA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE

Onam  is an annual Indian harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the peope  of Kerala A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events. Onam commemorates King Mahabali and Vamana, Onam is celebrated in Kerala in remembrance of the good governance under the rule of daitya king Mahabali, a mythical king who once ruled Kerala. The legend holds that jealous of Mahabali’s popularity and his power, the devas and gods conspired to end his reign. They sent Vamana to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin who trampled Mahabali to patala (netherworld). Vamana asked Mahabali for three feet of land as his wish from the generous Mahabali. Since denying gifts to Brahmin is considered a sacrilege, Mahabali agreed to fulfill Vamana’s wish. In the first two feet Vamana measured the entirety of universe, leaving nowhere to place his third foot. Mahabali offered his own head to place his third feet making the wish complete. However, witnessing Mahabali’s generosity, Vishnu granted the king’s sole wish to visit his land and people once every year. This homecoming of Mahabali is celebrated as Onam in Kerala every year . 

Third year BSc nursing students of Nehru college of nursing conducted  Onam & at Monomithra Institute of Medical Science. The Onam programmes were started with wonderful Pookalam by 3rd year students, who were helped by the patients. Several programmes were also conducted for the patients.

Onam games were also conducted ( Lemon & spoon, musical chair, Sundarikku pottuthodal, Uriyadi). Active participation by the patients and a vibrant Thiruvathirakkali by the nursing students make the programme more colorful. Winners of each games were awarded prizes prepared by students. After programme. Students were distributed payasam to all members of Manomithra.

A marvelous dance  performance by the students marked a joyous atmosphere. The programme was concluded with a photograph along with patients & staffs to embark the memory