The district administration and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) will jointly organise Onam celebrations at Kottakkunnu tourism park from August 26 to 30.
Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will inaugurate the celebrations at 6 p.m. on August 26. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer will preside over the function. Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar and Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji and E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, will attend.
The five-day celebrations will include music, theatre, folk and traditional performances. The opening day will feature the Kanaran Show by Harish Kanaran and Nirmal Palazhi, followed by a music programme by Fazila Banu and her troupe.
Kalamandalam Vivek will present Chakyarkoothu on August 27, followed by a live music show led by playback singer Anwar Sadath.
The August 28 programme will include Oppana and Kolkali by the Edarikode troupe, folk songs by Nizhal folk band, and performances featuring Theyyam, Thira and Kali.
Tholpavakoothu and a Sufi qawwali night will be held on August 29. The celebrations will conclude on August 30 with Thiruvathira by Sivaganga Valanchery and the Smrithigeetham music show led by playback singer Afsal.
Security beefed up
The district police have stepped up security for the Onam season, with 400 additional personnel to be deployed at tourist spots, major towns and other crowded areas.
The police will strengthen surveillance at tourist destinations, public places, markets and towns to prevent theft and antisocial activities. A 68-member shadow police team, with officers from all 34 police stations in the district, will monitor suspected theft gangs.
Plainclothes officers will monitor crowded areas, including bus stands, railway stations and shopping malls, to deter theft and other crimes, identify antisocial activities and help police quickly track down offenders.
The 400 personnel will handle traffic, crowd management and security at places expecting large gatherings.
People leaving their homes locked during the Onam holidays can register their details through the ‘Locked House Information’ facility on the Kerala Police Pol-App. The information will help police plan patrols and monitor vacant houses.
The police have asked the public to call 112 in emergencies and provide accurate location details for a quick response.
Published – August 24, 2026 07:29 pm IST
