A Feast of Traditions & Gratitude: MACCON’s Onam and Teacher’s Day Celebration
There are some days in the life of an institution that become etched in memory — not just because of the grandeur of the event, but because of the joy, unity, and spirit it sparks in everyone present. For VHS MA Chidambaram College of Nursing (MACCON), this year’s Teachers’ Day and Onam combined celebration was one such unforgettable moment.
The day unfolded like a festival of colors, flavors, laughter, and gratitude — and for many at MACCON, it was a “never before” experience that will be cherished for years to come.
An Authentic Onam Sadhya: A Labor of Love
One of the most remarkable highlights was the Onam Sadhya prepared by MACCON’s Kerala students. Cooking for 300 people is no small feat — but these students rose to the occasion with grace, commitment, and a sense of cultural pride that was inspiring to witness.
For days leading up to the event, the corridors buzzed with the aroma of spices, the chopping of vegetables, and the meticulous planning that went into creating an authentic spread of traditional Onam recipes. From the tangy pullissery to the comforting avial, from the crunchy banana chips to the sweet payasam, every dish spoke of heritage, patience, and care.
When the sadhya was finally served on banana leaves, the appreciation was unanimous. Students, staff, and management alike were full of praise — not just for the flavors, but for the effort, teamwork, and authenticity that went into making the feast possible. For many, this was their first time experiencing such a meal — and what a memory it turned out to be.
Mahabali, Dance, and Stories
Festivals are incomplete without stories — and the MACCON students brought the legend of Onam alive with a creative portrayal of King Mahabali, the beloved ruler who returns every year to visit his people.
A student donned the traditional attire of Mahabali and walked through the hall with warmth, greeted by applause and laughter. Alongside, there were explanations of the Onam story that reminded everyone of the deeper values of the festival — unity, prosperity, and gratitude.
The cultural flavor deepened with traditional Kerala dance performances by the girls, who brought grace, rhythm, and joy to the stage. The sway of their movements and the festive attire transported the audience to Kerala, creating a blend of performance and storytelling that struck a chord with everyone watching.
Teachers’ Day: A Touch of Humor and Heart
While Onam filled the stomachs and hearts, Teachers’ Day brought moments of laughter and gratitude.
One particularly talented student took the stage with a stand-up comedy act, poking fun at student life, classroom experiences, and the little quirks of college life. It was a refreshing way to honor the day — light-hearted, warm, and incredibly entertaining.
But the humor was balanced with heartfelt tributes. Every faculty member received handwritten notes and poems crafted by students. These weren’t generic thank-you cards; they were deeply personal reflections of gratitude, written with sincerity and love.
Games, Laughter, and a Nail-Biting Tug of War
The celebrations didn’t stop at food and performances. The afternoon shifted into a carnival of games where teachers and students competed shoulder-to-shoulder in a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
From the classic musical chairs that had everyone on edge, to the festive uriyadi (pot-breaking game), the atmosphere was electric with cheers and laughter.
But the showstopper was undoubtedly the tug of war. Teachers versus students — a showdown everyone anticipated with excitement. To the surprise (and delight!) of the crowd, the teachers won four out of five rounds, proving that experience, strategy, and teamwork can outmatch youthful energy.
Just when the intensity peaked, the final years and juniors faced off in their own tug of war. What started as a fierce contest ended in hilarious chaos when the rope, strained under too much tension, snapped mid-game! The crowd erupted into laughter, marking a perfect comic twist to an already joyous day.
Kuthu Dance: A Fitting Finale
As the sun set, the event reached its grand finale — a cultural kuthu dance that brought everyone together. Students, irrespective of borders, swayed and jumped in rhythm to a fusion of Malayalam and Tamil kuthu beats.
It wasn’t just a dance — it was a moment of unity, where celebration cut across cultural lines. The floor was packed, the energy contagious, and the joy uncontainable.
A Day to Remember
This celebration at MACCON wasn’t just about marking two occasions — Onam and Teachers’ Day. It was about honoring culture, celebrating diversity, and strengthening bonds between students and teachers.
The Onam sadhya fed more than just the body; it fed a sense of belonging. The performances and stories reminded everyone of heritage. The stand-up comedy and poems honored teachers with laughter and love. The games built camaraderie, and the dance wrapped the day in pure joy.
As everyone walked away, smiling and sharing stories of the day, one thing was clear: MACCON had created history with a celebration that combined tradition, gratitude, and unity in the most beautiful way possible.
