Visits since 1 Apr 2024
6,175,355
Visits since 1 Jan 2007 48,036,944
|
The week-long Onam celebrations organised by the Kerala government drew to a close with colourful cultural pageantry in the state capital. The Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohammed Riyas said the Tourism Department will make all efforts to take the event to the global stage by planning it big on the lines of Spain’s La Tomatina festival next year.
Mr Riyas said by giving a global dimension to the festival Kerala will be able to attract more foreign tourists during the season, and ensure their active participation in cultural activities. The Minister for General Education and Labour Mr V. Sivankutty presided over the function.
The actor Mr Asif Ali, who was the chief guest, termed the tremendous success of the Onam celebrations as a great achievement by the state government and the Kerala Tourism Department.
The Kerala Tourism Director Mr P. B. Nooh, Mr I. B. Satheesh, MLA; Mr D. K. Murali, MLA; and Councillor Ms Reena were also present.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan flagged off the cultural procession at Manaveeyam Veedhi in the state capital, marking the finale of the festival that enthralled people across the state. The show offered vivid glimpses into the diverse artistic and cultural heritage of the country and the state, featuring spectacular floats and a variety of classical and folk traditions. The pageantry featured around 76 floats and 77 art forms, 10 of which were from other states. The show ended at East Fort, after wending its way through the heart of the city from Vellayambalam.
Onam Celebrations erase Pandemic Blues, says Kerala Tourism Minister
This year's grand Onam celebrations have made the two-year gap due to the pandemic irrelevant, said the Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas. This year's festivities have become 'revenge Onam celebrations' and people lapped up them with open arms.
