Kraków Onam 2026 – Kolegium Europejskie as the Title Sponsor of a Celebration of Kerala’s Culture

On 13 September 2026, Kraków was filled with colours, music, dance and the unique energy of Kerala.

Kraków Onam 2026, organised by the Kerala Association of Poland, was a beautiful celebration of tradition, community and intercultural connection. We were extremely proud to take part as the Title Sponsor of the event.

For Kolegium Europejskie, this was more than an opportunity to support one of the most colourful events organised by the Indian community in Kraków. Above all, it was a chance to meet people, discover a fascinating culture and celebrate values that are especially important to our international school community.

What is Onam?

Onam is the most important traditional festival of Kerala, a state in southern India. It is a harvest festival connected with the legend of King Mahabali, whose return symbolises prosperity, equality and happiness. It is a time of gratitude, family gatherings and joyful celebrations.

Some of the best-known Onam traditions include Pookkalam floral decorations, traditional music and dance, team games and Onam Sadya – a festive vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. The festival brings together people from Kerala and their friends, wherever they may currently live. More about the history and meaning of Onam can be found on the Kerala Tourism website.

Kraków Onam 2026 – a day filled with tradition and joy

This year’s celebration began in a particularly meaningful way, with the national anthems of India and Poland. This symbolic moment beautifully reflected the character of the event: a meeting of two countries, cultures and communities that can learn from and inspire one another.

The official opening was followed by a rich artistic and cultural programme. The stage hosted traditional and contemporary dances, music and performances showcasing the cultural diversity of Kerala and India. The programme included Thiruvathira Kali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, a fashion showcase inspired by traditional Kerala clothing and performances accompanied by the distinctive sound of chenda drums.

There were also many activities for children and adults, traditional games and sports competitions. Vadamvali, or tug of war, brought plenty of excitement and demonstrated the importance of teamwork, strength and team spirit.

Food was another important part of the celebration. Guests could enjoy the aromatic flavours of Kerala, including the traditional Onam Sadya feast. Sharing food, conversations and joyful moments created an atmosphere of openness and a true sense of community.

Kolegium Europejskie as
the Title Sponsor of Kraków Onam 2026

Taking on the role of Title Sponsor of Kraków Onam 2026 was a great honour for us. As an international school in Kraków, we want to participate actively in the lives of the communities represented by our students and their families.

Multiculturalism is not simply an idea for us. It is part of our everyday experience in lessons, school projects, events and conversations. Our students learn together, discover different perspectives and build relationships across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Events such as Kraków Onam demonstrate that diversity can bring people together and create a community based on mutual respect, curiosity and openness to the world.

Our cooperation with the Kerala Association of Poland

Our cooperation with the Kerala Association of Poland (KAP) is particularly meaningful to us. We share the belief that culture, education and personal encounters are among the best ways to build mutual understanding.

The Kerala Association of Poland supports the Kerala community living in Poland, promotes Indian cultural heritage and organises events that bring together people of different nationalities. Kraków Onam 2026 was a wonderful example of this work – an open celebration for families, friends and everyone interested in Indian culture.

We are proud that Kolegium Europejskie could support the event and play an important role in it. We would like to thank the Kerala Association of Poland for its trust and cooperation, which allows us to build an open, international community together in Kraków.

A full description of the event and its programme is available on the official Kraków Onam 2026 website.

An international school in Kraków offering the IB programme

Kolegium Europejskie is an international high school in Kraków offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). English is the language of instruction in the IB programme, preparing students to study and thrive in an international academic environment.

Our community is made up of young people from different countries and cultures. We teach them not only academic knowledge, but also openness, independent thinking, cooperation and responsibility for the world around them.

Kolegium Europejskie is part of an International Education Centre that also includes a bilingual preschool and an international primary school offering the Cambridge programme. We provide a place where children and young people can develop in an international environment throughout the different stages of their education.

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Kolegium Europejskie and our admissions process.

Thank you for celebrating with us!

Kraków Onam 2026 will remain in our memories as a day filled with colours, beautiful performances, sporting excitement, exceptional flavours and warm encounters.

We would like to thank the organisers, performers, volunteers, partners and everyone who joined the celebration. We are proud that Kolegium Europejskie was able to support this remarkable event as its Title Sponsor.

Events like this show that diversity enriches us, education brings people together and Kraków is a truly international city.