‘Vasantholsavam’ aims to spread harmony: Shri Riyas
Tourism Minister inaugurates Dec. 24-Jan. 2 gala at Kanakakkunnu
Trivandrum / December 24, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 24: The colourful curate and light flower show and the grand illumination, being organised by the Department of Tourism, are aimed at spreading harmony, besides revving up the festive mood ahead of New Year, said Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today.
Shri Riyas was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Vasantholsavam New Year Illumination 2023’ at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds in the capital city.
Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V Sivankutty presided over the function where Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Shri G R Anil was the chief guest.
Shri Riyas said the glittering visual treat on the theme ‘Illuminating Joy Spreading Harmony’ will provide a new experience for visitors and give a momentum to the tourism activities in the city.
The Minister said the flower show is being conducted for the first time by the Department of Tourism at Kanakkunnu after pandemic.
“The flower show will feature around 75,000 flower plants and 20 gardeners have been assigned to tender the plants. The butterfly swing, around 30 riveting illuminations, European model house and garden will be the major attractions of the event,” he said.
Shri Riyas informed that Illuminations will also be conducted in Kozhikode on December 27 and in Kochi on December 30.
In his address, Shri Sivankutty said ‘Vasantholsavam’ is an effort to showcase the increasing tourism possibilities of Kerala and spreading happiness among public during New Year.
Shri V K Prasanth, MLA; Corporation Mayor Smt Arya Rajendran; Kerala Tourism Director Shri P B Nooh and DTPC Secretary Shri Shyam Krishnan were also present.
Major attractions of the event include flower show, light show, cultural programmes, food festival, pets park and trade fair.
The Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds, set to be a nightlife spot, will have custom-designed and theme-based installations at the main gateway and in and around the sprawling mound, besides tree wrapping lights and special effect lightings on the ground, enhancing the festive ambience of the entire premise.
The Department of Tourism is conducting an extensive and captivating light show that got an overwhelming reception last year. The flowers for the curate flower show have been brought from outside the state.
One of the major attractions is the replicas of illuminated European houses and gardens. Other attractions include butterfly swing, walkway arches, reindeer, tunnel with lights, shooting star, light boards, gift box and hot air balloons.
Cultural programmes will also be held on all days. Fly Day Band will perform on December 25 while the musical performance of High Hope Band is on December 26. Other programmes: Voice of Trivandrum Band (Dec. 27), Malhar Band (Dec. 28), Majestic 90’s (Dec. 29), Kottalis Band (Dec. 30), Bakery Junction (Dec. 31), Bhairavi Ensembles (January 1) and Clap Box Band (Jan. 2).
Entry ticket for ‘Vasantholsavam’ is Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children. A pre-sale ticket counter has already been opened at the entrance of Kanakakkunnu Palace to avoid rush.
Prime urban spaces across the state where people converge for outdoor celebrations and festival shopping, including Kozhikode and Kochi, will be tastefully illuminated besides putting up glittering installations to enthral the local holidaymakers as well as tourists visiting the state.
The District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs) have been roped in to plan, design and execute the lighting and celebrations in each city.
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