Onam Sadhya, Athapookalam contest, cultural programs and dinner to go — our biggest celebration of the year.
Onam 2026 brought the community together at Green Level High School for the Athapookalam (Pookalam) contest, a traditional Onam Sadhya served in time slots, an afternoon of cultural programs and dinner to go (veg and chicken biriyani).
Sadhya: RSVP was highly recommended because walk-ins may not be accommodated. Guests picked a Sadhya time slot while registering and were asked to arrive 15 minutes before it. Cultural events followed at the same venue from 1:45 PM ET.
Athapookalam contest: teams of 3 to 6 active GCKA members. Designs may be sketched in advance, but the pookalam must be created at the venue on chart paper or carpet, using only natural flowers, leaves and decorative materials. Teams bring their own materials and clean their area afterwards. The judging panel and GCKA Board decisions are final.
Dinner to go: collect food coupons at the front desk on the day and present them at the pick-up counter.
