PALAKKAD: The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Mannarkad Block panchayat held various events in relation to Onam for the indigenous tribes of Attappadi, on Sunday and Monday.
DTPC secretary M Padmakumar said that it was the first time that the DTPC was associating with a programme in Attappadi. He said that there was a good turnout for the music concert organised by Cochin Harisree in Agali, Attappadi on Thiruvonam day. A procession comprising floats and other tableaus was also taken out.
On Monday, a mega show by Jokes and a music concert by a local music troupe was held. In addition, the indigenous people participated in competitions like kabaddi, tug of war, uriyadi and other events.Forest Department: Two days ago, as part of the Onam festivities, the Forest Department took the initiative to spend time with the indigenous members of Pottikal ooru, near the Silent Valley forests.The Forest Department personnel came with their families to spend time and celebrate Onam with the adivasis. The team consisted of chief forest conservator Rajesh Raveendran and Mannarkad divisional forest officer T C Thyagarajan. The adivasis took the department personnel and their families in rafts made of bamboo to their oorus.DFO Thyagarajan told Express that though everyone speaks for the cause of the adivasis and distributes Onam kits, they never take an effort to connect with them psychologically or emotionally. “We on the other hand, all the ministerial staff members collected funds from the salaries and prepared a feast and took it to the oorus. The women members also provided flowers and make up items to the adivasi women,” he said.He said that there were 41 adivasi families in the Pottikal adivasi settlement comprising around 200 members.
The three ‘moopans’ of the ooru were also given ‘onapudava’. The adivasis received the Forest Department personnel with songs and dance to the accompaniment of drum beats. It was a moment to cherish, said DFO Thyagarajan.