THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chakka Vandi, a campaign vehicle, of jackfruit festival titled ‘Ananthapuri Chakka Maholsavam’ will start touring the capital on June 20.
The festival will be held on the Kanakakkunnu Palace premises here from June 30 to July 9. There will be around 100 stalls at the venue.
A state-level symposium on the lesser known facts on jackfruit will be held as part of the festival on June 30. Among the speakers are Shree Padre, journalist and a global campaigner for the fruit, jack365.com founder James Joseph and Dr N Shudhodanan, faculty member of PK Das Institute of Medical Sciences, Palakkad. Those who wish to participate can contact coordinator of the symposium G Placid over 9447134664 or directorsahayi@gmail.com.
A state-level meet of jackfruit entrepreneurs will be held on July 1. Veteran entrepreneurs will be honoured at the function. Those who wish to start new enterprises can also attend. For details, contact C K Asari over 8129837355.
A state-level meeting on traditional knowledge on jackfruit will be held on July 2. The programme between 10 am and 5 pm will discuss the medicinal uses of jackfruit. Speakers are Siddha-Ayurveda expert Malayattoor Sukumaran Vaidyar, K Raveendranathan, facilitator, Swami Nirmalananda Giri Maharaj study centre and ethnic medical practitioner Cherthala Mohanan Vaidyar.
For registration, contact V Vijayakumar/ Usha over 9895714006/ 8086488006.
Various competitions, including a national photography contest, “identification of Muthassi Plavu”, “big and small jack fruit”, drawing and painting (for children), essay writing, jackfruit eating, cookery, folk songs and stories will be held in connection with the festival.
Registration closes on June 26. For details, contact 0471-2722151, 9072302707, 9447205913 or 9020455123.