Nilambur: In a show-stopping Onam celebration, Gems Arts and Science College in Nilambur, Malappuram witnessed an unforgettable sight on Wednesday — the legendary King Maveli arriving on campus in a helicopter.

The college grounds were packed with students and teachers, all brimming with anticipation as they awaited the grand event.As the whirring of rotor blades filled the air, all eyes turned upward. Moments later, a helicopter descended, and out stepped Maveli, waving regally to a stunned and cheering crowd.

The man behind the costume was Shabeeb, a third-year B.Com student, whose sky-high entrance became the undisputed highlight of the day. The event was organised by the college union, led by the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), with the active participation of third-year students.

“This was an idea that came from the third-year batch. They funded it entirely with help from the union. We’d been planning this for over a month and a half,” said Muneer, an MSF representative. “The management supported us wholeheartedly. The programme was a huge success, and the students really enjoyed it.”

The helicopter, hired at a cost of ₹3.5 lakh, was arranged through a luxury wedding service provider associated with Joyalukkas. Students said both the college principal and chairman, Manjalamkuzhi Ali, extended full support to make the spectacle possible.

Onam celebrations at educational institutions typically feature pookalams (floral decorations), traditional games, and sadhyas (festive meals), but this year, Gems College quite literally elevated the festivities — making it a celebration no one is likely to forget.