Tourism News
Governor Shri Rajendra Arlekar flags off the Onam Pageantry, kicking off week-long celebrations in the state capital
Tourism Minister Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas at the valedictory ceremony of the week-long Onam celebrations at Nishagandhi Auditorium
Performers from the Onam pageantry celebrating the conclusion of the week-long festivities
Onam Celebrations Highlight Kerala’s Unity and Hospitality
Kerala’s Onam festivities concluded with a dazzling finale in Thiruvananthapuram, where Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, emphasised that the festival embodies the essence of Malayali identity, marked by togetherness, communal harmony, and hospitality. Speaking at the valedictory function held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, the Minister noted that this year’s theme, “Onam Orumayude Eenam, The Real Kerala Story”, captured the enduring message of unity that the festival conveys.
He underlined that the way Onam is celebrated demonstrates Kerala’s resilience against divisive forces. To widen the global reach of the festival, Kerala Tourism hosted visitors from ten different countries, offering them a firsthand experience of the traditions, rituals, and cultural vibrancy that define Onam.
The event was presided over by Mr. V. Sivankutty, Minister for General Education and Labour, Kerala. Awards were distributed to the winners of competitions held during the festival. The closing function was also attended by Mr. Lukas Marthinus Meyer, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, alongside several legislators, district officials, and civic leaders. A musical concert by renowned singer Mr. Vineeth Sreenivasan added to the evening’s celebrations.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor of Kerala, flagged off the much-awaited cultural pageantry at Manaveeyam Veedhi in the presence of Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala. Thousands of people gathered along the streets to watch nearly 150 decorated floats parade through the city. The procession featured Kerala’s classical, folk, and ethnic art forms, while also highlighting the state’s achievements in social and economic development.
This year’s Onam procession stood out for its adherence to Kerala’s Green Protocol and the creative inclusion of themes like women-friendly tourism and village tourism, showcased by the float of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society. A spectacular drone show added a modern touch to the traditional celebrations, drawing wide appreciation from spectators.
Organised on a larger scale than in previous years, the week-long festivities brought together around 10,000 artists, including performers from other states. Their contributions showcased Kerala’s artistic diversity, reinforcing Onam’s reputation as one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in the country.
