Don Bosco Vaduthalotsavam 2024: A Grand Celebration of Onam
The Don Bosco Youth Centre, Vaduthala, hosted the vibrant and culturally rich “Don Bosco Vaduthalotsavam 2024” from September 13 to 16, a four-day celebration marking the festival of Onam. The event brought together people from all walks of life, with an emphasis on community spirit, tradition, and Kerala’s cultural heritage.
The festivities began on September 13 with a grand Proclamation Rally. Youth centre members, along with local participants, paraded through the streets of Vaduthala, signaling the start of the celebration. The rally, filled with traditional symbols and vibrant banners, invited the public to join in the four-day festival, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
On the second day, September 14, the much-anticipated Snehasparsham initiative was inaugurated. This noble program, launched by the Don Bosco Youth Centre, aims to support dialysis patients economically, demonstrating the centre’s commitment to social responsibility. Alongside this humanitarian initiative, the day was filled with cultural and competitive activities. The All Kerala Floral Carpet Competition saw participants from across the state creating beautiful and intricate designs using vibrant flowers, a true display of Kerala’s rich artistic traditions. The Tug of War competition also brought out the competitive spirit, with teams showcasing their strength and determination, cheered on by an enthusiastic audience.
Thiruvonam Day, celebrated on September 15, was a day filled with spiritual fervor, cultural pride, and joyful festivities. The day began with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, which was animated by the youth centre members, bringing together the faithful in a moment of prayer and thanksgiving. The morning was filled with traditional Onam games, designed especially for the youth centre members, fostering a sense of unity and fun. In the evening, a Solemn Rally took to the streets, presenting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The rally was a visual treat, with traditional costumes, dance performances, and folk music capturing the essence of Kerala’s history and culture. The day concluded with a spectacular Music Night, led by the famous troupe Pala Super Beats. Their energetic and melodious performance enthralled the crowd, blending traditional and contemporary music in a fitting tribute to the festival.
The grand finale on September 16 took place in the evening and was a celebration of Kerala’s traditional arts and cultural unity. The evening began with an impressive Kalaripayattu performance, showcasing the skills of practitioners of this ancient martial art form. One of the highlights was the Mega Thiruvathira, a graceful dance performed by 103 women, ranging from 4 to 72 years old, symbolizing unity across generations and communities. Other traditional dance forms, including Kaikotti Kali, added to the day’s cultural richness. The celebrations ended with the Malayali Manka competition, where participants embodied the grace and beauty of Kerala’s traditional attire, wrapping up the event on a high note.
A special word of thanks goes to Fr. Gilton Manuel SDB, the director of the Don Bosco Youth Centre, for his tireless efforts in preparing for this event over the past month, in close collaboration with the youth centre leadership. Also, gratitude is extended to Fr. Shibu Davis SDB, the rector of Don Bosco Vaduthala, for his support throughout the event.
Don Bosco Vaduthalotsavam 2024 was not only a celebration of Onam but also an affirmation of the values of community, culture, and service. The festival successfully brought people together, with the Snehasparsham initiative standing as a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for the less fortunate. Through cultural performances, competitions, and social initiatives, the event captured the true spirit of Onam and Kerala’s enduring traditions.
