After two years of pandemic-induced calm, beaches and parks in Vypen, Thrikkakara and other places in the city’s suburbs have come alive with Onam celebrations, with large numbers of people flocking to be part of various competitions and venues. Crowds are gathering. Hosting cultural events.
The popular Kuzhipili beach in Vypin has been thronging with people since Saturday as the ‘Arappo 2022’ tourism fair begins. The beach has transformed the venue for beach judo and tug of war competitions and many traditional art forms. In the Kavi Sammelan presented by the Greater Kochi Cultural Forum, 94 poems related to Onam were rendered.
Vaipeen was chosen as the only venue in the district to host Bharat Bhavan’s ‘Vasantotsavam’. The festivities, which include a food festival organized by Kudumbashree, will culminate on Wednesday, with 85 artists from five states presenting their ethnic art forms on the beach. MLA KN Unnikrishnan, representing the area, said, “Such gatherings are relevant at a time when cultural gatherings are becoming a rarity.”
Onam programs organized by Trikkakara Sanskar Kendram will be held at Onam Park till Monday (September 12). A fusion show, folk songs, kathaprasangam, karaoke ganmela and a debate are among the programs in line.
The week-long ‘Lavanyam 2022’ program organized jointly by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Tourism Department and District Administration will be organized in the city from Tuesday at Durbar Hall Ground. Industries Minister P. Rajeev will inaugurate the event. The trial of the hot-air balloon, a joint initiative of DTPC and Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), which was scheduled for the day, has been postponed in view of the Orange Alert issued in the district.
On Thursday, Thiruvonam Day, there will be Thiruvathira and a musical evening by children with disabilities in the grounds. A mega show will be organized on Friday.
Art and cultural programs will also be staged at various places in Fort Kochi, Kadambarayar, Bhotthankettu, Piravom, Perumbavoor, Thirumarady and Pambakuda.
The main venue of events in Kadambarayar will be the Infopark, where an Onam rally, Pulikkali, ethnic songs, stand-up comedy, DJ music and a one-man show will be held from Tuesday afternoon. The Pallathu Raman Center at Veli, Fort Kochi, will host a mega comedy show on Saturday along with other daily events.