VP flags off Onam pageantry, bringing week-long celebrations to a colourful close

KOCHI, Aug 30 : Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday flagged off the grand Onam pageantry in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the culmination of the Kerala Government's week-long Onam-Tourism Week celebrations.

The spectacular procession, featuring 69 floats and installations and around 99 traditional, folk and contemporary art forms, showcased Kerala's heritage, culture, development and socially relevant themes. Cultural troupes from several States and Jammu and Kashmir also participated in the procession, which drew large crowds along its route from Lok Bhavan to East Fort.

The floats presented by various government departments and institutions highlighted Kerala's growth and traditions as well as themes such as women empowerment, healthcare, scientific progress and social development. Traditional art forms including Pulikali, Garudan Parava, Muthappan Theyyam, Theyyam, Kalaripayattu and Chenda Melam were among the major attractions.

The flag-off ceremony, held at a specially arranged pavilion near Lok Bhavan, was attended by Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, Ministers P.C. Vishnunath, K. Muraleedharan, C.P. John, Roji M. John, K.A. Thulasi and Bindhu Krishna, and Mayor V.V. Rajesh.

Governor Arlekar and Chief Minister Satheesan presented mementos to the Vice President. The dignitaries later watched the colourful 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, elected representatives and senior government officials were also present.

The procession had a strong national flavour, with cultural groups from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir taking part.

Skating performances, roller-skating displays, a mounted police contingent and band performances also attracted considerable public attention. Performances by transgender artists formed part of the cultural programme.

The pageantry began near Lok Bhavan and passed through Vellayambalam, Museum, PMG, Palayam and Statue before concluding at East Fort.

The entire procession was organised in accordance with a green protocol, with emphasis on environmentally friendly arrangements, providing a fitting finale to the State's Onam festivities.

(UNI)