The much-anticipated Onam cultural festival, organized by the Kerala Tourism Department, has commenced, infusing the entire state with a vibrant cultural spirit for an engaging week. The state capital and district centers are adorned with festive decor, playing host to a plethora of classical, folk, ethnic, and popular art forms across numerous venues. This year’s overarching theme, “Onam: A Symphony of Harmony,” resonates through the artistic performances and cultural events.
The collaborative efforts of the Tourism Department, District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs), and district administrations have given rise to this flagship festival, boasting a rich lineup of hundreds of talented artists. The festivities were inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in the state capital on August 27, setting the stage for a diverse range of events across all districts.
Inviting both locals and tourists to partake in the cultural fiesta, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas remarked, “Onam epitomizes unity and inclusivity, and this year’s festival theme embodies precisely that – the symphony of harmony.”
This grand event, synonymous with Kerala Tourism, presents an exceptional platform for artists from various genres to showcase their talents before an extensive audience. The final preparations are in full swing, with district headquarters and other locations meticulously arranged to host the festival. Each venue highlights the unique cultural and historical facets of its respective area.
In Ernakulam, Minister for Law, Industries & Coir Shri P Rajeeve inaugurated the “Lavanyam 2023” celebrations at Durbar Hall Ground on August 27. An array of programs is scheduled across 15 venues, including the Durbar Hall Open-air theatre, Kaloor Vyloppilly Park, Vypin, Fort Kochi Veli Ground, Kolenchery, Muvattupuzha Town Hall, and Perumbavoor Town Hall.
Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas inaugurated Kozhikode’s district-level Onam festivities on September 1 at Kozhikode Beach. Meanwhile, Minister for Ports, Museums, and Archaeology Shri Ahammad Devarkovil inaugurated the “Residential Kalolsavam” in the district. Kozhikode’s cultural events are taking place at multiple venues, including Kozhikode beach.
Minister for Water Resources Shri Roshy Augustine inaugurated Idukki district’s celebrations at Cheruthoni on August 27. The district will witness cultural events in locations such as Kumily, Munnar, Thodupuzha, and Nedumkandam. In Wayanad district, MLA O R Kelu inaugurated the cultural festivities at Mananthavady Pazhassi Park on August 27.
Kannur district’s Onam celebrations were inaugurated by Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly Shri A N Shamseer at Town Square on August 27.
The “Onanilavu” festival in Kollam was inaugurated by Minister for Finance Shri K N Balagopal at Kollam beach. The celebrations are also taking place at prominent venues like Children’s Park and Thangassery Break Water Tourism Park.
Minister for Revenue and Housing Shri K Rajan inaugurated the festive celebrations in Thrissur, the State’s cultural capital, at Thekkinkadu Maidan on August 28. The Muziris Heritage Project areas, including Chavakkad beach, Peechi, Vazhani, Athirappilly, Nattika Snehatheeram, Kottapuram, and Paravur, will host cultural programs as part of the Onam festivities.
Palakkad district’s “Shravanapolima” celebrations were inaugurated by Minister for Local Self-Government and Excise Shri M B Rajesh on August 28. Venues like Rappadi Open Air Auditorium, Velliyamkallu Heritage Park, Kanjirapuzha, Malampuzha, Pothundi, and Bapuji Children’s Park in Sreekrishnapuram are hosting cultural programs.
Minister Shri Ahammad Devarkovil inaugurated the celebrations of Kasaragod district on August 28.
Minister for Sports, Wakf, and Haj Shri V Abdurahiman inaugurated the Onam celebrations in Malappuram on August 30. Various venues, including Kottakunnu, Biyyam Kayal, and Tanur, are hosting the events. The districts of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta are also celebrating Onam on a grand scale.
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