Pongaloviyam 2026: 22 Colleges Unite for a Spectacular Cultural Fest

Pongaloviyam 2026

Pongaloviyam 2026, the Inter-Collegiate Cultural Fest of Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, was held on January 7 and 8, 2026, bringing together students from 22 colleges across Tamil Nadu. The two-day cultural celebration reflected the spirit of tradition, creativity, and youthful expression, transforming the campus into a vibrant platform for artistic exchange and inter-collegiate harmony.

The fest stood as a testament to the institution’s continued commitment to nurturing talent beyond academics, while also strengthening cultural bonds among higher education institutions.

Inaugural Ceremony and Dignitaries

The inaugural ceremony of Pongaloviyam 2026 commenced at 10.30 a.m. with the ceremonial lighting of the kuthu vilakku, marking an auspicious beginning to the cultural fest. The event was inaugurated by:

• Mr. R. Muthuselvam, Secretary
• Dr. Banumathi, Principal
• Dr. Senthil, Vice Principal
• Dr. A. Arunachala Rajan, Vice Principal
• Dr. Jacqueline Brinda, Coordinator
• Dr. M. Sheyamala, Coordinator, Pongaloviyam 2026

During his felicitation address, Mr. R. Muthuselvam emphasized the role of cultural festivals in shaping leadership qualities, fostering creativity, and promoting unity among students. The Principal and other dignitaries encouraged participants to uphold discipline, mutual respect, and healthy competition throughout the fest.

Creative Competitions and Artistic Expression

A wide array of cultural competitions were conducted over the two days, offering students opportunities to showcase their talents across traditional and contemporary art forms.

Visual Arts and Media Events

Reels Making

• First Prize: Nesamani Memorial Christian College, Marthandam
• Second Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women, Thoothukudi
• Third Prize: Wavoo Wajeeha Women’s College, Kayalpatnam

Short Film

• First Prize: V.O.C. College, Thoothukudi
• Second Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Third Prize: Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College

RJ Hunt

• First Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women
• Second Prize: Nesamani Memorial Christian College
• Third Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)

Traditional Arts and Cultural Competitions

Tamilodu Vilayadu

• First Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute, Thoothukudi
• Second Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women
• Third Prize: Kamaraj Women’s College, Thoothukudi

Tableau

• First Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women
• Second Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute
• Third Prize: Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College

Rangoli

• First Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Second Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute
• Third Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women

Performing Arts Events

Group Dance

• First Prize: V.O.C. College, Thoothukudi
• Second Prize: St. Mary’s College, Thoothukudi
• Third Prize: Nesamani Memorial Christian College

Duo Dance

• First Prize: St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai
• Second Prize: V.O.C. College
• Third Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)

Dual Singing

• First Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Second Prize: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women
• Third Prize: Nesamani Memorial Christian College

Creative and Lifestyle Events

Fireless Cooking

• First Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute
• Second Prize: St. Mary’s College
• Third Prize: V.O.C. College

Mehndi

• First Prize: V.O.C. College
• Second Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Third Prize: Wavoo Wajeeha Women’s College

Nail Art

• First Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute
• Second Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Third Prize: Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College

Face Painting

• First Prize: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• Second Prize: Kamaraj Women’s College
• Third Prize: Fisheries College & Research Institute

Overall Cultural Championship

• Overall Winner: S.A.V. Sahaya Thai Arts & Science College (Women)
• First Runner-up: A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women & Fisheries College & Research Institute
• Second Runner-up: V.O.C. College, Thoothukudi

The valedictory ceremony concluded Pongaloviyam 2026 on a grand and meaningful note, reinforcing inter-collegiate friendship, cultural harmony, and student engagement.

Institutional Links

Internal Link:
Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi

External Reference:
Government of Tamil Nadu – Higher Education