*CM inaugurates Tourism Department’s Onam celebrations in the state
TTT NEWS NETWORK
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM | 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
“Kerala’s unity, communal harmony, fraternal and inclusive mindset are the reasons for the state’s progress and development,” said Chief Minister Mr.Pinarayi Vijayan.
He was inaugurating the week-long state-level Onam celebrations organised by Kerala Tourism at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Kanakakkunnu on Wednesday.
This year’s celebrations revolve around the theme “Onam Orumayude Eenam, the Real Kerala Story.”
“The state government’s ‘Nava Kerala’ concept aligns well with the concept of Onam, where even the most underprivileged person is being considered and included in our progress as a society,” said Mr. Vijayan.
“As a society, we have to be aware of forces that try to disrupt our unity and communal harmony and remain rooted to our humanitarian concepts and be a model to the world,” he noted
The capital city, district headquarters, and numerous other venues across the state are all decked up and illuminated for the Onam Week Celebrations, setting the stage for a festive atmosphere that reflects the cultural vibrancy of Malayalis worldwide.
“The people of Kerala, and their hospitality, are the greatest asset for marketing our tourism,” said Minister for Tourism and Public Works Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas, who presided over the opening ceremony.
“Kerala’s peaceful atmosphere and communal harmony are what attract foreigners and domestic travellers to the state. Tourism Department is striving to attract more domestic and foreign tourists through promoting our cultural events like Onam,” he added.
“Tourism Department, with state government’s support, has made all the necessary arrangements to make sure people from all walks of life can enjoy the Onam celebrations in the state,” said Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V Sivankutty, during his welcome speech.
“Kerala’s love and hospitality made this my second home,” said Tamil movie actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi), who was the chief guest for the function.
“Everyone, regardless of their background, celebrates Onam, which makes it special,” said director-actor Basil Joseph, who was also the chief guest at the event.
“Kerala is progressing because we have the freedom to air our opinions freely. Our government supports this freedom of expression.”
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Shri G R Anil, Shri AA Rahim MP, MLAs Kadakampally Surendran, Antony Raju, V Joy, DK Murali, I B Satheesh, V K Prashanth, District Panchayat President Shri D Suresh Kumar, Mayor Smt Arya Rajendran, Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran, SK Sajeesh, Chairman, KTIL, were present at the inaugural function.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a musical night at Nishagandhi.
A drone show will be an added attraction of this year’s celebrations.
The highly anticipated event this year has been organised on a larger scale, showcasing thousands of artists from Kerala’s classical, ethnic, folk, and martial art traditions.
In Thiruvananthapuram district alone, there are 33 venues, including the Central Stadium, Poojappura Maidan, Greenfield Stadium, Bharat Bhavan, Gandhi Park, VyloppillySamskrithi Bhavan, Museum Compound, Varkala and Nedumangad.
After entertaining the local crowd and travellers with a unique blend of dance, music, and various stage performances that showcase classical, folk, and ethnic traditions for an entire week, the grand festival will conclude on September 9.
The event will feature a cultural procession that will take place from Vellayambalam to East Fort in the city.
Governor Mr. Rajendra Arlekar will flag off the cultural procession at ManaveeyamVeedhi, and it will feature around 150 floats.
The procession will strictly follow the green protocol, and arrangements will be made for people to view the moving spectacle from different points.
Approximately 10,000 artists, including those from other states, will also showcase their artistic talents in the colourful Onam programmes.
The Tourism Department, District Tourism Promotion Councils and District Administrations will coordinate the programmes in other districts.
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