It is carnival time in Kochi again

Fort Kochi is in high spirits with Christ­mas colours, sounds and flavours of yet another Cochin Carnival. Celebrating the 30th year of the carnival, the festivities are three-fold this year with cultural extravaganzas, rock parties, parades, kayaking and more.

The streets of Fort Kochi are lit up with over a thousand stars and nearly 300 serial light sets and festooned with Christmas bells, cribs, tinsels and confetti for the carnival. This year, the carnival features special events like water walk, laser shows and carnival fairs.

“This year, we also have a few celebrities participating in a mega show by Veruteyalla Bharya  Sea­son Two’s contestants as well as a dance performance by Rajesh. A rangoli competition at Gopal­akrishna temple, a mehendi competition at Nehru Park, a musical evening at Pallathu Raman Ground and a dance fest at Saudi School ground has been scheduled on December 25 as part of the celebrati­ons,” says P. J. Joshy, the advisor for the carnival.

A tradition that started way back when the city was under Portuguese rule, the carnival, a ten day celebration, is considered an occasion celebrated by the people of Kochi  irrespective of their religious and cultural beliefs. Dance forms and art forms from all over India, like Garba, Chavitunadakam and Bhangra all find place in the carnival along with a few cultural forms from Portuguese, Dutch, Anglo-Indian and Arab cultures.

“Competitions in beach football, swimming and kayaking will also be held along with cultural events at Fort Kochi. The carnival will end with a procession on January 1 to mark the New Year accompanied by music, colorful floats and different folk art forms,” adds Joshy.