The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in the Bangalore and Patna provinces celebrated Onam with prayer, cultural traditions, festive meals and community gatherings. The celebrations honored Kerala’s rich heritage while highlighting the intercultural spirit of the SCN Congregation.
Onam recalls the legendary reign of King Mahabali, a time when people are said to have lived together as equals. A traditional Onam song captures this spirit: “When King Mahabali ruled the land, all people lived together as one.”
At Marian English Medium School in Anakkampoil, students, staff and parents gathered under the newly blessed school dome. Activities included Athapookalam, or floral design, competitions; traditional games such as Vadamvali, or tug of war; Uriyadi, or pot breaking; and a traditional Oonjal swing. The celebration concluded with an Onam Sadya, a festive meal served on banana leaves.
Nazareth Convent in Kakkavayal organized programs across three taluks in collaboration with women’s welfare groups. Floral designs, traditional games and shared meals brought women together in fellowship.
The Prathiksha Centre celebrated with students and staff Aug. 22. Ward Member Shameer, former staff member and Meenangadi Panchayat Member Mini, and Advocate Maria spoke about unity and encouraged the Sisters to continue responding to the needs of the people. On Aug. 26, the SCN community created a Pookalam using flowers from its garden and shared a simple meal.
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Preranalaya Social Development Centre in Musunuru celebrated Aug. 26 with skill-training students and children from St. Vincent Girls’ Hostel. Staff and students performed Thiruvathira, a traditional Onam dance. Sister Swarupa, director of the center, explained the significance of the festival. Participants brought special dishes to share.
At Asha Nilayam in Kallanode, the Sisters, staff and 22 senior citizens from Pakalveedu gathered Aug. 25. Each family contributed a dish, and Onam songs and dances added to the celebration. The previous day, Sister Gracy and women leaders from Mathruvedi, or Legion of Mary, at Kallanode Parish organized games and activities. The event was featured in the Deepika newspaper.
The Deepalaya community in Banakal marked the occasion with Sisters and helpers. Together, they created a Pookalam using flowers from the garden and enjoyed a meal prepared by the Sisters.
In Patna, Sisters from the Arunodaya, B Block and Provincial House communities joined for a traditional Onam Sadya. The Sisters worked together to prepare the vegetarian feast, which included rice, curries, pickle, papad and payasam. For some of the younger Sisters, preparing the traditional dishes was a new experience and an opportunity to learn more about Kerala’s culture.
The meal was served on banana leaves, and support staff joined the Sisters at the table. Everyone shared the same food, reflecting Onam’s values of community, generosity and equality.
Across both provinces, the celebrations showed how cultural traditions can deepen relationships and strengthen the SCN family. Through shared meals, music, dance and fellowship, the communities gave thanks for the diversity that draws them closer together.