Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has decided to cancel its official Onam celebrations in view of the monsoon havoc that has claimed the lives of 38 people, displaced many and caused huge loss of property. The amount of Rs 35 crore set apart by the tourism department for the festival will be spent for disaster relief.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting here on Tuesday that it would be inappropriate to engage in festivities while thousands of fellow beings were suffering. "We are seeking support from everyone to provide assistance to those who have sustained heavy losses," Mr. Vijayan said.
Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and the UDF had earlier demanded the cancellation of Onam celebrations. However, the government will go ahead with certain observations like Thrippunithura athachamayam and the procession.
The Nehru trophy boat race was postponed following floods in Kuttanad. The tourism department has also decided to conduct a special league of all the boat races in the state, including Nehru trophy, after Kuttanad returns to normalcy.
The chief minister said that a final decision on the conduct of Nehru trophy will be taken after considering the High Court verdict on the issue.
The pageantry during the conclusion of the Onam festival, the illumination of the pathway from Vellayambalam to Palayam here and the cultural events being organised at 30 venues in the capital as part of the celebrations have been dropped.
The cabinet last week had given its nod for this year's Onam celebrations from August 24 to 30. The stretch from Kowdiar to Manacaud in the city was declared as a festival zone.
