Enchanting Kerala
Kerala’s Onam Tourism Week concludes with spectacular pageantry in Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala’s week-long Onam Tourism Week Celebrations 2026 concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on August 30 with a spectacular cultural pageantry that brought together the State’s diverse traditions, art forms and festive spirit.
Organised by the Kerala Tourism Department from August 24 to 30, the celebrations transformed the State capital into a vibrant festival destination, with cultural programmes held across multiple venues. Traditional, folk, classical and contemporary art forms featured prominently during the week, reflecting Kerala’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The celebrations opened at the Nishagandhi Auditorium on August 24, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurating the State-level festivities. More than 340 programmes were held at venues across the capital, drawing thousands of visitors and providing a platform for artists and performers from Kerala and other parts of the country.
Kanakakkunnu emerged as one of the principal festival hubs, hosting cultural performances, exhibitions, food experiences and interactive programmes. Special emphasis was placed on traditional art forms, including Kathakali, Tholpavakoothu, Padayani and other folk traditions. The celebrations also extended to venues such as Kovalam, which was added to the festival circuit this year. The festivities followed Kerala’s Green Protocol, with initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use and encouraging environmentally responsible celebrations.
Music added another distinctive note to this year’s celebrations. Tourism, Culture and Cinema Minister P.C. Vishnunadh lent his voice to the new Onam song **‘Poovale Thumbapoovale’**, created for Kerala Tourism. Written by B.K. Harinarayanan and composed by Jakes Bejoy, the song was presented as a musical celebration of Onam, Kerala’s cultural heritage and the nostalgia associated with the festival. The music video was directed by filmmaker Dijo Jose Antony and featured the Minister as the lead vocalist.
The celebrations culminated on August 30 with the grand Onam pageantry. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan flagged off the procession, which passed through the heart of Thiruvananthapuram before concluding at East Fort. The pageantry featured floats from **69 government departments** and more than **100 traditional and folk art forms**, along with cultural troupes representing several States and Jammu & Kashmir.
With colourful floats, music, dance and traditional performances filling the streets, the closing pageantry offered a fitting finale to Kerala’s annual celebration of Onam and its living cultural heritage.
