30 venues to electrify' Onam in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Apparently stung by the anti-Hindu barbs hurled by right-wing elements, the LDF government has decided to amp up the annual Onam Week celebrations from September 12. There will be 30 venues, two more than last year and more than ever before, and display lighting unlike in previous years will not be limited to the heart of the city, it will be extended to the flanks; the city will be electrified right through to Kazhakuttam.

While four new venues have been added, two usual ones have been avoided. The new venues are in Kazhakoottam, Neyyatinkara, Attingal and Sree Chithira Thirunal Park in Fort. Sathyan Smaraka Hall in Museum Junction and Institution of Engineers Hall in Vellayambalam have been taken out. “It has been found that people are somehow reluctant to enter these two venues,” a Tourism Department official said.

‘Social commitment’ will be the theme of this year’s Onam celebrations. For the first time in history, the differently-abled will stage a programme at the main venue, Nishagandhi, on Thiruvonam day. Marginalised for so long, transgenders will get an official platform to sport their talents. Their programme will be held at Gandhi Park on September 18. Cultural programmes staged by women and children – mostly magic, dance and musical programmes - will be held at Shanghumughom.

There is a selection committee to pick the talents who would be on show during the seven days of the celebrations. “Talent of course is the primary parameter for selection. But this time we were told that those who are really good but are normally not found in big stages should be given priority,” the official said. “The Onam week would witness the introduction of perhaps the largest ever contingent of new talents to a wider audience,” he added.

The cultural programmes will kick off on September 12 with a ‘pancharimelam’ performance led by Mattannur Sannkarankutty Marar. Folk arts will be staged at four stages in Kanakakkunnu palace. Ritual arts like kathakali and koodiyattom will be staged at Theerthapad-amandapam.  Poetry and story sessions will be at VJT Hall. Classical dance performances will be staged at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan. University College campus will host dramas.