KOZHIKODE: Kayakers from different parts of the world arrived at Kodencherry near Thusharagiri on Thursday to be part of Asia’s most popular kayaking festival. They will compete for the Malabar River Festival scheduled from July 20 to 23. The festival is organised by Kerala Tourism Promotion council in association with District Tourism Promotion council, district administration and District Panchayath.
Kayakers from New Zealand, Germany, Nepal, Italy, US and Denmark reported at Kodencherry and started practice sessions here. The organisers are waiting for more kayakers in the coming days. “The kayakers have also taken up the responsibility of training to the locals here,” said district collector U.V. Jose. The kayaking festival will be mainly conducted in three spots mainly Chalipuzhya in Kodenc-herry panchayat, Irivan-jipuzhya in Thiruv-ambadi panchayath and Meenthulipuzhya in Chakittapara panchayath.
The major attraction of the festival will be the rafting that will take place in Thusharagiri. The official inauguration of the festival will be conducted on July 21 and on July 19, a reception will be organised for international kayakers at Mananchira Sports Council hall. The organising committee headed by District collector on Thursday gathered at Collectorate conference hall to discuss about the festival.
