Delhi Pooram' on May 6

New Delhi, May 4: Keralites in the national capital will celebrate the first 'Delhi Pooram' on Saturday, a day before the famous 'Thrissur Pooram', with parasols given by the church.

All the hallmarks of the original festival are going to be there at the 'Delhi Pooram', which will have a symbolic presence of five caparisoned elephants, parasol exchange, drum concert and pyrotechniques, according to its organisers, the Delhi Panchavadya Trust.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations President Karan Singh will open the 'Pooram'.

''The most striking feature of the Delhi Pooram will be its very secular nature. The Muslim and Christian communities are actively taking part in it,'' said Sudheernath of the Trust.

Musician Leela Omchery will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award for her contribution to music and other art forms during the occasion, he said.

Five senior artists from Kerala - Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan, Sadanam Muruka Jyoti, Unnikrishna Poduval, Pallassana Unni Marar and Cheruthazam Kunhirama Marar - will also be honoured, he added.

UNI