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Kerala Tourism Minister Mr Mohamed Riyas Illuminates Kochi's Pioneering Light Show

Kerala Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas, inaugurated the light show event ‘Illuminating Joy, Spreading Harmony’, which decked up the Marine Drive stretch for a week amid New Year celebrations. The minister, while inaugurating the event held from December 30, 2023 to January 05, 2024 said Kochi has always occupied a ‘special place’ for visitors to Kerala. “Among domestic tourists to our state, Ernakulam district stands on top. Its cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty are among the reasons,” Mr Riyas noted at the evening ceremony chaired by legislator Mr T. J. Vinod.

During the switch-on ceremony led by the minister, the venue was lit up amid instrumental music, heightening the festive mood. Speakers on the stage shared sweets, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the assembled crowd at the tree-fringed location.

Stressing the significance of 'food streets' in Kerala's tourism domain, the minister reassured the government's ‘unwavering backing’ for relevant proposals. He also highlighted the tourism potential inherent in the state's bridges, emphasising ongoing initiatives in that regard. These statements were made during the event where Kochi Mayor Mr M. Anilkumar presided as the chief guest.

The visual feast of lamps, which has decked up the scenic Marine Drive stretch and its vicinity, is the first of its kind in Ernakulam district. The event promotes the spirit of hope and joy for the visitors, who can walk along the waterfront pathway.

During his presidential address, Mr Vinod, MLA, recalled Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League race and its role in establishing Marine Drive as a prominent venue for the water festival in the city. Mr Hibi Eden, MP, emphasised that Kochi and Kerala have acquired as tourist hotspots even in the post-COVID era.

Mayor Mr Anilkumar expressed pride about Kochi having become the first city after Thiruvananthapuram to host a light festival by the state government.

District Collector Mr N. S. K. Umesh, top officials of the District Tourism Promotion Council and councillors of Kochi Corporation were present on the occasion.