The students’ committee presents

THEYTHAKA'262026

The Onam celebration

One day on campus for the harvest festival — flower carpets at the gate, a sadya on banana leaf, and the stage after dark.

Registration opens soonCheck my status
Date
26 September
Hours
09:15 – 21:30
Countdown

The celebration is on. See you there.

Mahabali, the Onam king, drawn in engraved line detail
Pookalam·Onasadya·Thiruvathira·Onakalikal·Vallam kali·Night stage·
A pookalam laid in concentric rings of marigold, jasmine and rose petals

I — The day

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala — the one day the king comes home to see his people happy.

The students’ committee is staging the whole of it on campus for a single day. Flower carpets go down at the entrance in the morning, the procession follows, and a full sadya is served on banana leaf at noon. The afternoon belongs to games and dance; the evening to the stage.

Open to students, with your student ID at the gate. Register here, upload your payment, and your entry pass is emailed once a volunteer has verified it.

A gold-on-maroon frieze of an Onam procession with parasols, drummers and elephants

II — Schedule

09:15
Mega Thiruvathira Dance
Kick off with grace. Experience the elegance of the traditional Thiruvathira dance, setting the stage for a day of celebration.
NFSU main entrance
09:25
Chenda Melam
Immerse yourself in the powerful beats of chenda melam. Feel the energy of Kerala's iconic percussion ensemble as it reverberates through the atmosphere, filling the air with an electrifying rhythm.
NFSU main entrance
09:35
Lighting of the Lamp
A symbolic moment to mark the beginning of celebrations, bringing everyone together in unity and hope.
NFSU main entrance
10:30
Cultural Events
A kaleidoscope of cultures. From mesmerising dances to soulful music, enjoy a journey through a spectrum of artistic expressions.
Upper Auditorium
13:30
Lunch
Take a break and indulge in a delicious spread of traditional Kerala cuisine. Enjoy the flavours of the region and savour every bite.
Parking lot
15:30
Games
Engage in exciting games and activities that promise fun and friendly competition for all.
Main Ground
19:30
Musical Event
Main Ground
The king returns
Mahabali ruled so well that the gods grew uneasy. Once a year he is allowed back to see his kingdom.

Every part of the day answers that visit — the flowers laid to welcome him, the feast served as though he were at the table, the procession that walks him through campus.

Mahabali in white kasavu and gold jewellery against an ivory and maroon ground

IV — Sadya

Twenty dishes.
One leaf.

Served at noon, vegetarian throughout, in seated batches. Batch timings come with the final run sheet.

Chor
Achar
Puliyinchi
Sambar
Rasam
Avial
Thoran
Beetroot kichidi
Adapayasam
Pappadam
An Onam sadya served on a banana leaf, with payasam in a brass bowl
A gold-on-maroon illustration of a Kerala snake boat with rowers mid-stroke
Vallam kali — the boat song closes the afternoon

V — Registration

Rs. 500.00

Mallu Rs. 500.00 · Non-Mallu Rs. 299.00

Seats

600 seats, in the hall. One pass each, with your student ID.

Registration opens soon

Already registered? Check your status.