As the festive Onam season approaches, CSS is excited to celebrate this vibrant festival that symbolizes joy, unity, and cultural heritage. Onam is not just another occasion; it’s a time for coming together, embracing tradition, and celebrating the rich tapestry of our shared values. Here’s how CSS will be marking this special time.
The Ancient Lore of Onam
Onam is deeply rooted in the legend of King Mahabali, a wise and benevolent ruler who brought prosperity and happiness to his kingdom. According to the legend, the gods, worried about his growing power, sent Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana to subdue him. Despite his defeat, Mahabali was granted the boon to visit his people once a year. Onam celebrates this return, embodying the spirit of joy and unity that Mahabali represented.
The Pookalam or the Floral Carpet Competitions
One of the highlights of our Onam celebrations at CSS is the laying of the Pookalam or the stunning floral carpet. This traditional art form involves arranging a variety of flowers into intricate patterns and designs. The Pookalam not only adds a vibrant splash of color to our office but also symbolizes the warm welcome we extend to King Mahabali. This beautiful tradition transforms our offices into festive and colorful spaces setting the mood for the celebration, with this team building exercise.
Traditional Attire Day: Celebrating in Style
To fully embrace the cultural essence of Onam, CSS encourages all employees to don traditional outfits, such as the Mundu for men and Sari or Pavada for women. This dress code enhances the festive atmosphere and allows everyone to immerse themselves in the cultural celebration. It’s a visual celebration of tradition and a way to honor the rich heritage of Onam, bringing in a feeling of uniformity in diversity.
A Feast to Remember: Onam Sadya
No Onam celebration is complete without the grand feast known as Onam Sadya. This elaborate meal features an array of traditional Kerala dishes served on a banana leaf, including Sambar, Avial, Thoran, Payasam and so much more. At CSS, the sadya brings everyone together to enjoy a meal rich in flavor and filled with memories of home. The Sadya is more than just food; it’s an opportunity for us to bond and celebrate as a unified team.
Fun and Games: Embracing Tradition and Team Spirit
In addition to the feast and floral displays, our Onam celebrations will include traditional and contemporary games that are both fun and engaging. The Vadamvali (tug of war) is the highlight of the day with various teams vying to be numero uno. These games are not only enjoyable but also foster team spirit and camaraderie among employees.
Unity in Diversity: Coming Together
CSS’s Onam celebrations are designed to reflect the joy, unity, and cultural richness of this special festival. Let us come together to celebrate our heritage, strengthen our bonds, and make this Onam a memorable and joyful experience for everyone at CSS.