Written by The MGOCSM Ahmedabad unit beautifully brought the spirit of Onam to life with the celebration of “Oru Onnonaam Onam 3.0” at St. Gregorious Chapel, Ognaj, on September 22, 2024. The event was a wonderful expression of our cultural roots, blending devotion, festivity, and the joy of community. From the vibrant Pookallam adorning the chapel grounds to the delectable Sadhya, every aspect paid tribute to the rich traditions of Kerala.
Among the many traditions observed during Onam, the Pookalam stands out as a colorful and intricate symbol of gratitude. Also known as Athapookalam, it serves as a floral rangoli that reflects appreciation for nature’s bounty, with the word “Poo” meaning flowers and “Kolam” referring to artistic design. The circular pattern of the Pookalam represents unity, harmony, and the cycle of life.
As part of the celebration, the MGOCSM Ahmedabad unit hosted a Pookallam competition, where six teams – Aavesham, Malar, Onam Fusion, Papdam Pirates, Pookallam Pros and Onam Orchids participated. Each team was given an hour and half to create their floral masterpiece, and the results were truly impressive.
The winners of the competition were as follows,
First Place
Team – Onam Fusion
Merrin Kuriakose,
Sharon Saji,
Riya Saju Mathew
Sharon Alias,
Anju Raju
Second Place
Team – Aavesham
Doris David,
Daniya Raju,
Steffi George,
Sharon Binu,
Sneha Kunjumon
Allen Santhosh
Third Place
Team – Papdam Pirates
Jibin Biju,
Rijo Raju,
Alvis Thomas,
Chelsea Thomas,
Cheryl Thomas
Kudos to all the participants for their outstanding efforts, and special congratulations to the winners! This celebration truly highlighted the beauty of our shared heritage, and the joy of coming together to honor the values of love, gratitude, and harmony.
Blessy Chacko, is currently working as a Team Leader in Project Management at SynZeal Research Pvt. Ltd. She holds an Msc and Bsc in Biotechnology. As a dedicated professional, she balances her career with an active role in community service. She is an enthusiastic member of the Ahmedabad MGOCSM, and she consistently participates in Church activities with deep involvement supporting and organizing events that foster fellowship and spiritual growth within the community.
All the pookallams were beautiful. Congratulations to the winners 🏆
Thank you Aunty 🙏
Thankyou so much aunty 🌼😊