KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE: Pulikali artistes performing at Durbar Hall ground on Sunday as part of `Lavanya 2006,' the Onam celebrations organised by the district administration. — Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: `Lavanyam 2006,' the second State-sponsored Onam celebrations in Kochi, was inaugurated at the Durbar Hall Ground on Sunday night by Kerala High Court Chief Justice V.K. Bali.

Commenting on the huge turnout of people from within and outside the city to witness the celebrations and illuminations, Justice Bali said he was delighted to be among people celebrating Onam in such a grand way. `Lavanyam' has been organised jointly by the Tourism Department, District Administration and District Tourism Promotion Council.

The celebrity who stole the show was Kumar Sanu, Hindi playback singer, who mesmerised the audience with songs from `Aashiqui,' `Baazigar' and `1942-A Love Story.'

People of all age groups found it difficult to stick to their seats as he called upon them to join in the singing and dancing.

Among others who rendered songs were singers Anwar Sadath, Gayathri Varma, Athira and Mamta Sarma.

Most roads in the city wore a festive look as people poured in from suburbs for shopping and to see the illuminations on buildings.

Various artistes will perform at the Durbar Hall Ground, Marine Drive and Ernakulam Children's Park as part of programmes that will go on till Thursday.

Fisheries Minister S. Sarma, who presided over the function, said Onam was the apt occasion to showcase Kerala's rich culture to others. "A `jalakalotsavam' has been planned from next year in Kochi during Onam to remind people of the protests organised on board boats by Pandit Karuppan and Sahodaran Aiyyapan," the Minister said.

Others who were present include K. Chandran Pillai and Lonappan Nambadan, MPs; M.K. Purushottaman, A.M. Yousuf, V.D. Satheeshan and K. Babu, MLAs; Deputy Mayor C.K. Manishankar; District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish and Fort Kochi RDO Mini Antony.

`Pulikali,' `Kavadi' and `Chendamelam' too were held at the inaugural venue. On Monday evening there will be a dance recital by Shobhana at the ground. A comedy show will follow songs by Vidhu Pratap and Sitara at the Marine Drive, on Monday evening.

A `ganamela' by the Chembai School of Music has been arranged at the Children's Park.

While a water sports show has been arranged on the backwaters on Wednesday, a fireworks display will be held on the backwaters off Marine Drive on Thursday night.

A host of functions have been organised at the Mar Athanasius High School, Trikkakkara, till Saturday.

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