Festive air sweeps Kolli hills as annual show opens

 

The ancient Kolli hills, celebrated in Sangam Tamil literature for its valiant warriors and herbal treasure, reverberated with festive spirit. Dancers and musicians from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and different parts of Tamil Nadu, besides local Malayali tribals, converged at Kolli hills to put out a cultural extravaganza.

 

Around 4,000 carnations, roses and other colourful flowers were arranged to create a floral butterfly, with 7,000 blooms turned into a parrot at the flower show organised to mark the annual festival. About 15 varieties of ornamental flowers were on display. For nearly four decades now, the state government has been organising the Valvil Ori festival at Kolli hills to mark Aadi Perukku.

 

The festival is held in memory of King Valvil Ori, who ruled over Kolli hills in 200 AD. Known for his valour, generosity and marksmanship, Valvil Ori has been praised as one of the greatest rulers in Sangam literature. An archery contest will be held in Kolli hills on Sunday to commemorate the great archer, Valvil Ori, collector V. Dakshinamoorthy said.

 

The verdant Kolli hills is still largely unpolluted by tourism and an ideal getaway for tourists, the collector said. The Aagaya Thamarai falls gushing from the eastern range of the mountains is one of the most beautiful falls in Tamil Nadu, he said. 

 

He distributed welfare benefits worth Rs 60 lakh to over 400 people on the occasion. An expo on the rich herbal wealth of the Kolli hills besides the achievements of the state government was held on the occasion. A job mela was also organised.