THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Aug 30: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday flagged off a grand Onam pageantry in Thiruvananthapuram, bringing Kerala Government’s week long Onam Tourism Week celebrations to a vibrant close.
The procession, which showcased the State’s rich cultural heritage alongside its development achievements, featured 69 floats and installations and around 99 traditional, folk and contemporary art forms. Large crowds gathered along the route to witness the colourful spectacle.
The event began near Lok Bhavan and travelled through Vellayambalam, Museum, PMG, Palayam and Statue before concluding at East Fort.
The floats prepared by government departments and institutions highlighted Kerala’s traditions, social progress and developmental initiatives. Themes including women’s empowerment, healthcare, scientific advancement and social welfare featured prominently in the presentations.
Several traditional performances added to the festive atmosphere. Pulikali, Garudan Parava, Muthappan Theyyam, Theyyam, Kalaripayattu and Chenda Melam were among the major cultural attractions.
The celebrations also reflected India’s diverse cultural traditions, with participating groups from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.
Skating and roller-skating displays, a mounted police contingent and band performances drew considerable attention from spectators. Transgender artists also participated in the cultural programme, adding to the event’s inclusive character.
The flag-off ceremony was held at a specially arranged pavilion near Lok Bhavan. Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan and several ministers and elected representatives attended the programme.
Governor Arlekar and Chief Minister Satheesan presented mementos to the Vice President before the dignitaries watched the procession from the pavilion.
M. Vincent MLA, Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, General Administration Department Secretary K. Biju, District Collector Anu Kumari and senior government officials were also present.
The entire event was conducted under a green protocol, with organisers giving priority to environmentally responsible arrangements.
The colourful pageantry served as the finale to Kerala’s Onam festivities, bringing together the State’s cultural traditions, artistic diversity and contemporary social themes in a single grand celebration.