The tourism potential of Thrikkakkara, the legendary place which evokes the memories of a golden era of peace and prosperity is yet to tapped to its full extent. Especially when there is no other entity in the state that proclaims the myth and rituals associated with Onam so loudly. In an attempt to pass on the heritage to posterity and to create awareness and lure tourists, the District Tourist Promotion Council (DTPC) will soon open a full-fledged Heritage Park at Mavelipuram.
The inauguration of its construction will be held this week. If all goes well, people can bask in the past glory of a golden era before the next Onam.
The heritage park will come up in an area of about 30 cents near the Sea Port-Airport Road which will be maintained by the GCDA.
In the first phase, a miniature of the ‘sanctum sanctorum’ of the Thrikkakkara Vamanamurthy Temple along with the sculptures of King Mahabali and Vamana will be put up at the park, said the DTPC Secretary. “Large stone lamps (kalvilakku) will be erected in various parts of the park. A ‘koothambalam’ will also be built. Floral carpets and Thrikkakkarappan will certainly add colour. Large slabs will sport engravings of myths related to Onam. In short, we will offer a perfect ambiance that will take the people on a ride to the glorious past,” he said. The park can also be used an open air theatre. An amount of `55 lakh has already been sanctioned for the park. Since the site will be near the national highway, it will be easier for people to visit. The official said the park was proposed as part of a mega plan where the DTPC will set up a National Museum for Onam. “Onam is the most prominent festival of Keralites. But unfortunately, the state does not have any museum or any institution that talks about this festival at length. Hence we are planning to set up a museum of international standard in the place where its history lies,” he said.
A flower garden of local species will be a major attraction. Specific varieties of flowers are laid in a traditional ‘athapookkalam’. “But nowadays, even our children are not aware of such flowers. So the garden will be a learning experience,” he said.
Though a plan to construct the park was initiated earlier, it did not materialise due to the delay of the GCDA in handing over the place to the DTPC. “The proposed site was already marked as a green zone. Unfortunately, it was not maintained properly. With the implementation of the project, the site will get a new face,” the official said.