KOCHI: Folksongs, theyyam, soul-stirring Sufi songs, ghazal night, orchestra, comedy mega show......the Onam-Bakrid celebrations have begun in the city on Friday. Organised collectively by Ernakulam district administration and the District Tourism Promotion Council, Onam celebrations will also include dance fiesta led by popular actor Manju Warrier, kathaprasangam, fusion band, tug of war, kolkali and short film competition. The venues for the celebrations include Ernakulam Durbar Hall Ground, Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, Palluruthy, Kumbalangi, Cherayi, Munambam, Thrikkakkara, Piravom, Moovattupuzha, Perumbavoor, Bhoothathankettu and Kuttambuzha. Though programmes have begun, the official inauguration will be held on Saturday. On Friday, the folk songs lead by Thanima troupe and “Swaya” mega show by Transgender Arts and Charitable Society was held.
Venues and programmes
Durbar Hall Ground: Saturday: The performance by artists from 12 states.
Sunday: Oneman show by P C Chandrabose at 5.30 pm. Thanal Ganamela by specially-abled at 6.30 pm. Koodiyattom performance by Parvathy Nambiar at 7.30 pm.
Monday (Thiruonam): Pulluva Pattu by N S Usha- 5.30 pm followed by ‘Rasa’ Musical night lead by Resmi Satheesh. Tuesday: Velakali by Panayil Gopalakrishnan at 5.30 pm. Radhamadhavam- classical and dance instrumental fusion at 6.30 pm. Wednesday: Sopanasangeetham by Njeralath Hari Govindan followed by dance performance lead by Manju Warrier.
Marine Drive: Saturday: Instrumental fusion band by Michael Jo Francis at 7 pm.
Sunday: Campus Chillies musical show-7pm. Devaraja Sandhya-a tribute to music director Devarajan lead by Madhu Vadayambadi at 7 pm. Tuesday: Music programme by Voice of India at 7 pm. Wednesday: P G Junction music band show at 7 pm.
Fort Kochi Vasco Da Gama square: Saturday: Khayal-E-Khawali lead by Ashraf Hydrose at 5.30 pm. Sunday: Mega show by comedy artist Ullas Panthalam at 7.30 pm. Monday: Theechamundi and Theyyam by Kozhikode Sreenivasan and team.
Kumablangi: Saturday: Traditional songs by Nerarivu, Perumanoor- 5.30 pm.
Palluruthy Veli Ground: Tuesday. Megashow lead by cine actor Pashanam Shaji.
Thrikkakkara Temple Ground: Sunday: Ghazal night lead by Sudha Renjith at 7 pm.
Bhoothathankettu: Saturday: Megashow lead by actor Tiny Tom at 7.30 pm. Sunday: Comedy mega show lead by Naseer Sankranthi and Paulson Bhasi, 7.30 pm.
Cherai Beach: Tuesday: Minnale-Orchestra at 7 pm.
Munambam beach: Tuesday: Vadamvali competition at 2 pm.
Piravom bus station ground: Tuesday: Mega show lead by Harisree Ashokan and the team at 7 pm.
Payipra Govt High School, Moovattupuzha: Mega show lead by Manoj Guinness at 7 pm.
Perumbavoor: September 10. Comedyum Mimicsum pinne ningalum by K S Prasad at 6 pm.
The short film festival will be held at Ernakulam Children’s park theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday. A total of 50 short films which have won various accolades will be screened at the venue. Admission to all the venues is totally free. The Road between Durbar Hall Ground and Marine drive will be illuminated with ornamental lights during the Onam days.
The problem of plenty
True to the demand and supply theory, many caterers are finding that they have received a fewer number of orders this year compared to 2016. The reason: more number of caterers! “Earlier, Onam used to be a very busy season for us. However, the number of orders has gone down this year. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of people offering packaged Onam sadya. There are 18 catering services in our area itself,” said Sundaran Menon, Amrutha catering from Eroor. Sundaran has been doing catering for past 50 years.