Kochi: The state government has decided to sponsor a major fashion and cultural event to promote tourism.
‘The Junior Model International,’ a children’s cultural and arts festival, will be organised by Kozhikode-based fashion choreographer Arun Ratna, who is internationally-acclaimed, with Kerala Tourism as a major sponsor and the official hospitality partner.
It will be conducted in Kochi-Alappuzha from October 10 to 15 with the participation of contestants from 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, Bulgaria, Nigeria and Malaysia.
Arun Ratna’s ‘Fashion Runway’ has held discussions with tourism minister A.C. Moidheen and other authorities. “We are in the final stage of discussions. The government has asked us to make some changes on the conduct of the programme and we are working on it,” said Arun Ratna. The department of tourism has envisaged it as an educational and cultural exchange event. Children will be divided into four age groups such as 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-16 for competitions in four separate rounds like national costume round, ball gown round, school uniform round and national sports costume.
Each country can send four girls and four boys. Cultural shows are also planned during the event.
