Programmes aimed at supporting post-flood relief and reconstruction work
The four-day district-level Onam celebrations aimed at supporting post-flood relief and reconstruction activities will begin here on September 9. Tagore Centenary Hall will be the main venue for the events, which will be hosted jointly by the district administration and the District Tourism Promotion Council.
At a press conference here on Saturday, District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao said Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran would open the celebrations. “Town Hall, Mananchira Square, Kuttichira, and BEM Higher Secondary School are the other venues selected for celebrations in city limits. Vadakara sandbanks, Akalappuzha and Atholi too will witness Onam-related celebrations,” he added.
‘Devabhoomika’, a thematic dance by actor Asha Sharath, will be the main attraction of the inaugural event. According to organisers, it will highlight the messages of love and survival that Kerala witnessed during the days of floods and natural calamities. Lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri will be the guest of honour.
Pookkalam contest
The district-level pookkalam competition will be held the following day at BEM School, Mananchira. A tug-of-war competition with the presence of celebrities, Karate demonstration, mehfil concert and tribal art performance too will be part of the day-long events.
On September 11, the Musicians Welfare Cooperate Society will organise a music show at Tagore Centenary Hall. Karakattam and kavadiyattam performances in addition to a demonstration of prominent martial art forms will be part of the third day events.
The district-level celebrations will draw to a close on September 12 with the play Yakshanari by Kadambari Kalakshethra.
Demonstration of yoga and kung fu will be organised at Mananchira in the evening. Kolkkali and oppana too will be part of the valedictory celebrations.
Mr. Rao said Onam celebrations were planned in a less expensive manner considering the flood-relief activities. “On September 10, we will serve the traditional Onasadya to the migrant labourers in the district to share our joy with them,” he said.