Tourism News

Vasantholsavam Unfurls at Kanakakkunnu in Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 365 - January 2024

Kerala Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the ‘Vasantholsavam New Year Illumination 2023’ at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds in the capital city. He said that the light and flower show and the grand illumination, being organised by the Department of Tourism, were aimed at spreading harmony, besides reviving up the festive mood ahead of the New Year.

Minister for General Education and Labour Mr V. Sivankutty presided over the function and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Mr G. R. Anil was the chief guest.

The visual treat provided a new experience for visitors and gave momentum to the tourism activities in the city. The flower show was being conducted for the first time by the Department of Tourism at Kanakakkunnu after the pandemic.

The flower show featured around 75,000 flower plants, and 20 gardeners have been assigned to tend the plants. The butterfly swing, around 30 riveting illuminations, European model houses and gardens were major attractions of the event.

In his address, Mr Sivankutty said that ‘Vasantholsavam’ was an effort to showcase the increasing tourism possibilities of Kerala and spread happiness among the public during the New Year.

Mr V. K. Prasanth MLA, Corporation Mayor Ms Arya Rajendran, Kerala Tourism Director Mr P. B. Nooh and DTPC Secretary Mr Shyam Krishnan were also present.

Major attractions of the event included a flower show, light show, cultural programmes, food festival, pet park and trade fair. The Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds, set to be a nightlife spot, had custom-designed and theme-based installations at the main gateway and in and around the sprawling mound, besides tree-wrapping lights and special effect lightings on the ground, enhancing the festive ambience of the entire premise.

One of the major attractions of the event was the set of replicas of illuminated European houses and gardens. Other attractions included a butterfly swing, walkway arches, reindeer, a tunnel with lights, a shooting star, light boards, a gift box and hot air balloons.