KOCHI: The Onam fest conducted by the district administration in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council(DTPC) will begin on Friday. The five-day fest will begin with a procession from Durbar Hall Ground to Marine Drive at 4:30 pm. The cultural programmes will be held at Marine Drive, Durbar Hall Open Air Theatre and Changampuzha Park.
The inaugural ceremony will be held at Marine Drive at 6 pm. Ministers, MLAs and eminent personalities from all walks of life will attend. The cultural events will begin from 6 30 pm.
A variety of cultural programmes has been organised, including traditional art forms of Kerala such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Arjunanirtham, Kalaripayattu, Maveli, Pulikali and Chendamelam. A food fest by the Kudumbasree named ‘Cafe Kudumbasree’ will be an added attraction.
“This year, Onam fest will be unique in all respects. The highlight of the fest would be the tribal fest wherein tribes from around 16 colonies of the district will participate. Meanwhile, a variety of cuisines will be the highlight of the food fest,” said District Collector M G Rajamanickam in a press meet.
Besides the tribal dance, many cultural activities will be held in the suburbs, including Piravom, Thrikkakkara and Fort Kochi.
“We have formed a sub committee so that the event would be organised and more colourful. The Tourism Department has granted `31 lakh this year while it was Rs 30 lakh last year,” said the Collector. Similarly, the road from DH Ground to Marine Drive will be illuminated.
Kaviyarangu and Kathaprasangam will be held at Changampuzha park.
Other major programmes include a fusion music by Mattannur Shankarankutty, Konkani musical skit, Mimics parade by Manoj Guinness and team, Chavittunadakam and fireworks. The celebration will come to an end on Tuesday.