Tourism News

Tourism Minister Inaugurated Onam Festival Office in Thiruvananthapuram

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 385 - September 2025

Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, opened the Onam Festival Office at the Tourism Directorate in Thiruvananthapuram on August 21, officially setting preparations in motion for the state’s biggest cultural celebration. The festival office has been tasked with coordinating every aspect of the Onam Week programmes, ensuring that the many events across Kerala run in a well-organised and unified manner.

At the launch, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Shri G. R. Anil unveiled the official Onam Festival logo by presenting it to Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V. Sivankutty. The event drew a strong presence of legislators, including Shri Antony Raju, Shri V. Joy, Shri I. B. Satheesh, Shri C. K. Hareendran, Smt. O. S. Ambika, and Shri V. K. Prashanth. Mayor Smt. Arya Rajendran and District Panchayath President Shri D. Suresh Kumar were also in attendance, alongside senior officials such as Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju and Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism. Their presence underscored the collective effort to make Onam celebrations both memorable and inclusive.

The 2025 Onam Week, held from September 3 to 9, highlights Kerala’s cultural richness through a diverse line-up of performances. Visitors and residents alike witness a vibrant mix of classical, folk, and ethnic art forms taking place not just in the capital city, but also in stages set up across the state. Each event is designed to immerse audiences in Kerala’s traditions, reaffirming Onam’s place as a festival of unity and shared joy.

An important aspect of this year’s celebrations is the strict adherence to the state’s green protocol. By adopting eco-friendly practices, the festivities not only preserve Kerala’s environment but also showcase how large-scale cultural events can be sustainable. This commitment aligns with Kerala’s broader vision of combining heritage with responsibility.

The grand finale on September 9 crowns the celebrations with a colourful cultural pageantry, bringing together artists, performers, and communities in a dazzling procession. It stands as a collective expression of Kerala’s heritage, creativity, and community spirit, making Onam a festival that continues to unite people across generations and regions.