Kerala - Kochi   

Government-sponsored Onam celebrations from September 1

Staff Reporter

Traditional events evoking the spirit of the festival to be held at Thrikkakara

HOARY TRADITION: The official Onam celebrations in the city will have cultural events and competitions.

KOCHI: The State Government-sponsored Onam celebrations will be held here from September 1 to 10.

The Tourism Department, the District Tourism Promotion Council and the district administration are making arrangements to host the event.

The Government-sponsored celebrations started here and in Kozhikode in 2005. Earlier, they were held only in the capital. The programmes in Kochi, titled Lavanyam, were a big draw last year.

For the first time, traditional festivities evoking the Onam spirit have been planned for this year in Thrikkakara, the legendary abode of King Mahabali.

Unlike in 2005, streets and buildings stretching from Jos Junction, Madhav Pharmacy Junction, High Court and BTH will be illuminated. The building illuminated most tastefully will be given a trophy. Help of merchants unions and trade bodies has been sought for this endeavour.

District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said here on Saturday that the cultural events, competitions and celebrations would be held at the Children's Park, Marine Drive and Durbar Hall Ground. Competitions would be held at the park from September 1. Popular events would be held at Marine Drive and cultural events on Durbar Hall Ground from September 3 to 7. The celebrations in Thrikkakara would be held from September 3 to 9. The estimate was Rs 50 lakhs.

"We have invited big names in the entertainment industry, from across the country. Attention has been given to ensure that each day, there will be a blend of traditional Kerala and Indian art forms on show. Our aim is to breathe life into art and dance forms which are becoming extinct. We are trying to rope in the Union Ministry of Culture in the celebrations," Mr Haneesh said.

Considering the success of the fireworks display held last year on a junkar berthed on the backwaters, the organisers have planned an even bigger display this year. Subcommittees have been formed for the celebrations, with MLAs at the helm. For details, call 237 2902 (Collector's camp office).

Movement of vehicles in the city is likely to be restricted during the festivities.

The traditional food festival, which was held last year, has been reserved for December and January, when Vasanthotsavam is held in the city.

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