KAKKANAD:The procession organised by the Thrikkakara Municipality from Chembumukku to the Collectorate here on Wednesday to mark the conclusion of the ‘Onam’ celebrations turned out to be a visual treat for the public.
The procession, led by Benny Behnan MLA, municipal chairman Shaji Vazhakkala and other councillors, began at 4 pm.
It featured various music bands; ‘nadaswaram’; ‘chendamelam’; ‘kavadi’; a multitude of artists performing various traditional art forms like theyyam; and tableaus depicting king Mahabali and gods and goddess of the Hindu mythology.
Around 5,000 people participated in the procession. Caparisoned elephants were accompanied by ‘panchavadyam, ‘karate’, ‘kuthira kali, ‘puli kali’, ‘pampamelam’, ‘karakattam’, ‘mayil kali’, ‘kalrippayattu’, ‘poikkal nritham’, ‘thiruvathirakali’, ‘velakali’ and ‘ammankudam’.
A tableau on illicit alcohol sale was received with applauses by the audience.
Meanwhile, a float designed to spread the message of ‘clean environment’, featuring a huge mosquito and a garbage pile, amused the onlookers. Kudumbashree workers, ASHA workers and a skating team that participated in the procession added charm to it.
The procession concluded at the Collectorate at 6 pm. A mega comedy show by Kottayam Nazeer marked the concluding ceremony.
Earlier, various competitions, including ‘thiruvathira kali’, ‘kaikottikali’, ‘margam kali’, single dance and group dance were held. Benny Bhenan MLA distributed prizes to the winners of the competitions at the valedictory function.