Onam celebrations in Kerala to be held from September 3 to 9
District Tourism Promotion Councils will lead the district-level events. The stretch from Kowdiar to Manacaud in the state capital will be declared the main festival zone, with improved lighting and green protocols in place. Kudumbashree will organise fairs at various levels and oversee the vegetable and flower farming.
The harvest will be completed ahead of the festival, while Onam kits containing essential items will be made available both online and offline.
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New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Onam celebrations in Kerala to be held from September 3 to 9
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state-level Onam celebrations will be held from September 3 to 9, concluding with a grand procession in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. There will be coordinated efforts from all departments to ensure vibrant and eco-friendly festivities. District Tourism Promotion Councils will lead the district-level events. The stretch from Kowdiar to Manacaud in the state capital will be declared the main festival zone, with improved lighting and green protocols in place. Kudumbashree will organise fairs at various levels and oversee the vegetable and flower farming. The harvest will be completed ahead of the festival, while Onam kits containing essential items will be made available both online and offline.
News18
19-07-2025
- News18
Kerala govt to hold week-long Onam fest from September 3
Agency: Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 19 (PTI) The Kerala government on Saturday said its official Onam celebrations will be held over seven days, starting September 3. Thiruvonam, the most important day of the harvest festival, will be celebrated on September 5. A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan finalised the schedule for the week-long festivities, which will conclude with a grand cultural procession in the capital, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The celebrations will be organised under the aegis of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), with the Chief Minister directing all departments to work in coordination to ensure the events are conducted in a grand and extensive manner. The stretch from Kowdiar to Manacaud in Thiruvananthapuram will be declared a festival zone. The capital city will be brightly illuminated, and all programmes will adhere to the state's green protocol. Onam fairs will be held at the district level by Kudumbashree, the all-women network that is also cultivating vegetables and flowers ahead of the festival. Harvesting will be completed before Onam, the statement said. It was also decided to distribute 'Onam kits" containing essential provisions, both offline and online. State-run Supplyco will conduct Onam fairs at district, taluk, and mandalam centres. The availability of vegetables will be increased through Horticorp outlets across the state. In addition to the Chief Minister, several ministers and senior officials attended the meeting. PTI LGK SSK view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 19:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Boat services fly flag for SWTD's backwater tourism endeavour
ALAPPUZHA: The state water transport department's 'Vega' and 'See Kuttanad' tourist boat services have been crafting a success story, delighting both domestic and international travellers with affordable, scenic cruises along Alappuzha's backwaters. Launched to offer a budget-friendly yet unforgettable visual treat of rural Kerala, the vessels have rapidly become favourites of tourists. They wind through the famed Punnamada backwaters, the tranquil expanses of Vembanad Lake, and the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, all while serving authentic Alappuzha delicacies like karimeen, kappa, and kakka erachi on board. In 55 months of its operations, Vega has carried nearly 1.15 lakh tourists and helped SWTD to a revenue of Rs 5 crore, while the double-decker See Kuttanad has earned Rs 1.55 crore and handled 40,000 tourists in 24 months — in a major boost to the tourism sector in Alappuzha. The 120-seater Vega, the star cruiser of the SWTD, was commissioned on December 24, 2020. Built at a cost of Rs 2.10 crore, the vessel achieved its projected seven-year cost recovery period in under four years, a milestone that highlights both its popularity and operational success. 'The response has been phenomenal. We've crossed break-even well ahead of schedule, which proves that quality services at affordable rates will always have takers,' said SWTD director Shaji V Nair. Following Vega's success, the 90-seater See Kuttanad service was introduced on November 1, 2022. Within just two years, it has edged closer to recovering its Rs 1.90 crore production cost. 'The growing interest in our services has encouraged us to plan more tourist-centric initiatives. One of the upcoming projects, Kuttanad Safari, the brainchild of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, is progressing rapidly and is expected to set a new benchmark,' Shaji added. Both Vega and See Kuttanad sail daily from the Alappuzha boat jetty at 11am and 11:30am, respectively. The voyage includes stops at the picturesque Pathiramanal Island, and views of the SAI rowing facility, Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery before returning by late afternoon. Tourists are treated to light refreshments and a sumptuous traditional Kerala lunch arranged by Kudumbashree. At a time when houseboats are offering relatively pricey day cruises, the department's low-budget rides are proving a hit with travellers.
