Alpha Arts and Science College, Porur, turned into a riot of colour and tradition on August 25 2026, as students and faculty came together for “Aaghosham 2026”, the college’s annual Onam celebration. The festivities kicked off with a high-octane Flash Mob by Team Tamilselvan and Lavanya, drawing students out of their classrooms and into the celebratory mood. Close on its heels came the thunderous beats of the Chenda Melam, ushering in the traditional spirit of Onam. Yamini, Cultural Secretary (Shift I), delivered the welcome address to formally open the proceedings, after which the MC Desk walked the gathering through the relevance of Onam — tracing its mythological roots and its enduring place in Kerala’s cultural calendar. Dr. A. Sivasankar, Principal of Alpha Arts and Science College, then addressed the students, urging them to embrace and carry forward such cultural traditions within campus life. Gowtham of BBA, Final Year, as King Mahabali, commanded the campus with a regal presence. The stage then came alive with a vibrant medley of various cultural performances like solo, group dance and group songs. Beyond the stage, the courtyard buzzed with competition as students threw themselves into a spread of traditional Onam games and contests. Girls went head-to-head in the Athapookalam contest, crafting intricate flower rangolis in a display of patience and artistry, while the boys took to Vadamvali, the classic tug-of-war, and Uriyadi, the pot-breaking game that had the crowd cheering at every near-miss. Adding to the light-hearted chaos was a Water Filling contest and a Bun Eating contest, both fought out amid plenty of laughter and good-natured heckling from onlookers.
The second round of Chenda Melam, led Naresh and his team, that emerged as the undisputed highlight of the celebration. A high-energy Punjabi Dhol performance followed soon after, adding a fresh burst of festive entertainment. The morning’s festivities culminated in the Prize Distribution ceremony, where Dr. A. Sivasankar felicitated the winners across performances and contests, applauding their talent and enthusiasm. Deepika, Cultural Secretary, Shift II, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the management, faculty and students who made the celebration possible.