On the 6th of October, 2025, T.M.A. Pai Halls came alive with the spirit of Onam. The event, Arpo Onam, was inaugurated by Dr. Suresh Pillai. Festivities opened with a speech on the ‘Origins of Onam’, followed by a student dressed up as Mahabali, and the beats of the traditional Chendamelan. A series of cultural performances showcased every batch’s A-game, filling the hall with music and dance. Cadenza also gave a special performance, captivating the audience with lively Malayalam songs.
The celebrations continued with traditional games such as “Sundarikk Pottu Thodal”, where participants pinned a bindi onto the portrait of a woman, “Pazham Theeta Malasaram”, a banana-eating competition and a grand sadhya with over 15 delicacies served on a banana leaf. For the first time, the celebration concluded with a DJ performance, bringing everyone to the dance floor in high spirits.
With over 400 attendees this year, including teachers, PGs, interns, and UGs, every batch shared the excitement, laughter, and energy that made the day unforgettable. Everyone left the event with cherished memories and a sense of anticipation for the next celebration.
Writer: Suhani Thaly, The Editorial Board, KMC Manipal
Photographer: Tanvee Meher, Aditi Abburu, The Editorial Board, KMC Manipal
Uploaded by: Zainab Khan and Tarunya Sashikanth, The Editorial Board, KMC Manipal