Onam revelry enlivens Kochi’s suburban towns

KOCHI

After a two-year pandemic-induced lull, beaches and parks in Vypeen, Thrikkakara and other locales in the city suburbs have turned alive with Onam celebrations, with people thronging the locations in large numbers to be part of different contests and with the beginning of a host of cultural programmes.

Revellers have been thronging the popular Kuzhipilly beach in Vypeen since Saturday, as ‘Aarppo 2022’ tourism mela kicked off. The beachfront has turned the venue for beach judo and tug-of-war contests and several traditional art forms. A poets’ meet presented by Greater Kochi Cultural Forum saw 94 Onam-related poems being rendered.

Vypeen was selected as the sole venue in the district to host ‘Vasanthotsavam’ of Bharat Bhavan. The festivities, which include a food fest hosted by the Kudumbashree, will conclude on Wednesday, with 85 artistes from five States presenting their ethnic art forms on the beach. “Such gatherings are relevant at a time when cultural gatherings are becoming a rarity,” said K.N. Unnikrishnan, the MLA representing the region.

Onam events hosted by the Thrikkakara Samskarika Kendram will be held till Monday (September 12) at the Onam park. A fusion show, folk songs, Kathaprasangam, karaoke ganamela and a debate are among the events lined up.

In the city, Durbar Hall Ground will be the venue of the week-long ‘Lavanyam 2022’ programme, organised jointly by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Tourism Department and district administration, from Tuesday. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve will inaugurate the event. The trial run of a hot-air balloon, a joint initiative of the DTPC and Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), that was scheduled for the day has been postponed in view of the orange alert issued in the district.

On Thursday, Thiruvonam day, the ground will witness a Thiruvathira by differently abled children and a musical evening. A mega show will be held on Friday.