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In a carnival mood

It’s carnival time in Fort Kochi and Cherai. The tourism season and the festive air have set the tone for the celebrations. Adding charm is the annual Cochin Carnival that began a week ago — on December 16. Apart from daily cultural programmes, competitions too are being held. The celebrations are mainly at four venues — Pallath Raman Ground at Veli; Parade Ground; Vasco Da Gama Square and Nehru Park.

The annual beach-bike race will be held on Friday. “Forty racers can participate in the competition,” says Josey P.J., advisor to the Cochin Carnival committee. Ganamelas will be held on Christmas day. A western music event will be held at the Parade Ground on Saturday.

Competitions in swimming, angling and veteran’s football too will be held. The traditional ‘Burning the Papa’ ceremony will be held on the midnight of December 31. Mr. Josey said preparations are on in full swing to ready floats for the carnival rally of New Year Day. It will start from Veli ground and conclude at the Parade ground.

Cherai is another beach where a tourism mela is on. Social and cultural events, country boat-pulling competition, people’s painting event, ganamela and tourism seminar have been arranged. The much-awaited elephant mela will be held at 3 p.m. on December 31.

John L. Paul

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