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Kerala's biggest multidisciplinary cultural extravaganza has found precious support from the sky.
A host of national and international carriers have lined up to partner with the annual Nishagandhi Festival, beginning in the state capital on January 20.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates, will offer 25 per cent discount on its flights to Thiruvananthapuram to help cultural enthusiasts travel to the festival. The Jet Airways has announced discount rates for artists participating in the mega event.
Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, will inaugurate the eight-day long festival of dance and music, attended this year by internationally acclaimed artists like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Hema Malini and Anoushka Shankar.
"We are happy that several national and international carriers have come forward to support the Nishagandhi festival," said Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.
"Over the years, our festival has gone on to become an important part of the international cultural circuit," said Mr. Anilkumar.
"With a rich and long history of classical art and dance forms, Kerala is today a global leader in cultural tourism," said Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Secretary, Kerala Tourism.
"Cultural enthusiasts from all over the world want to come and witness the Nishagandhi Festival," he added.
"With a host of major international cultural events such as the Nishangandhi festival, the International Film Festival of Kerala, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kerala is a top destination for cultural tourists," said Mr. P. I. Sheik Pareeth, Director, Kerala Tourism.
The festival, which ends on January 27 is a major draw on the international cultural calendar and is organised every year by Kerala Tourism.
