Week-long Onam festival in Kerala concludes with star-studded cultural pageantry

Thiruvananthapuram: A vibrant cultural pageantry featuring over a thousand artistes marked the grand finale of the week-long official Onam celebrations here on Tuesday.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar flagged off the procession at Manaveeyam Veedhi, which showcased more than 60 floats celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and India, accompanied by captivating performances from traditional artistes.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with ministers, cultural icons, and other dignitaries, joined the public to witness the spectacle. Thousands of spectators of all ages lined the city’s main thoroughfares to catch a glimpse of the procession.

The event highlighted the state’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions, spanning classical and folk forms. Over 90 visual and audio art forms were presented, including a performance by the Indian Army band, adding further vibrancy to the celebrations.

Rural artistes from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu participated, reflecting the theme of 'unity in diversity'. Contemporary- themed floats drew enthusiastic applause at multiple points along the route.

Traffic restrictions were enforced, and schools within the city limits were closed for the day to facilitate the event.