KOZHIKODE: With a wide variety of programmes, Onam fiesta touched its zenith on Sunday, Uthradam Day, the eve of Thiruvonam. The celebrity tug-of-war and mehendi contests organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council were the cynosure of all eyes.
Seven teams participated in both men and women’s categories. In the men’s category, the Collectorate team emerged champions while the Press Club team finished runners up. In the women’s category, the Sports Council team bagged the first and the Corporation team the second prize.
Deputy mayor Meera Darshak, women councillors Ramani MP, Shaheeda PP , Rajani and M Sreeja Harish among others participated in the women’s team while the men’s team saw standing committee chairman AT Suresh, counselors Biju Raj, Bijulal P, K Radhakrishnan, Shimjith TS trying their grip on the rope. Former press club president Kamal Varadoor led the press club team. In the sports council team, power lifting champions Abiramy and Drishya were present.
District sports council president KJ Mathayi, PT Haris and A Mooza Haji among others controlled the tug-off-war. Deputy mayor Meera Darshak, District Information Officer KT Shekhar and programme committee chairman CP Musasafir among others were present in the prize distribution ceremony.
Kommery Residents’ Association representative Shahila Begum PT emerged first in the mehendi competition while Ajunsha AT of Mukhadar residents’ association bagged the second. The first prize winner received Rs 10,000 cash award, second prize winner Rs 3,000 and third prize Rs 2000. The cash awards, trophies and mementoes for the winners and participants were distributed in the evening.
Onam with a tourism tinge at Wayanad
KALPETTA: Wayanad has merged Onam celebrations with tourism as the district administration has decided to conduct most of the programmes in major tourist destinations with the support of the District Tourism Promotion Council and respective local administrative bodies.
A communiqué of district administration said this year the celebrations would be entirely plastic free.
Major tourism spots selected for celebrations are Edakkal (Edakkal Heritage Fest), Karlad Lake (Karlad Fest), Araattupara (Arattupara Adventure Fest), Kuruva Fest (Kuruva Village Fest) and Pazhassi Tribal Fest. I.C. Balakrishnan MLA inaugurated the district-level launch on Edakkal Caves premises Sunday. Separate Onam celebrations were organised for tourists in each destination ensuring their participation.
Footballer Sushanth Mathew would inaugurate ‘mud football matches’ and district collector S. Suhas the Araattupara adventure trekking tour on Tuesday.
O.R. Kelu MLA would open the Kuruva Village Tourism Fest on Kuruva Island. Various small fests would be organised in all tourism destinations.
Meanwhile, the destinations and resorts are witnessing high rush since Friday. The Pookode Lake saw the largest flow of visitors as it is the easiest one to be accessed from the National Highway.
Saju Tom, a visitor, told DC that each nook and corner of the destination was crowded. Even by twilight, they started flowing in despite the warnings by officials to vacate as it was closing time.
