Malayalam 'New Year' celebrated

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17: Dressed in traditional attire, Keralites thronged temples and exchanged gifts, marking the New Year of Malayalam calendar- 'Chingam one.' All temples in the state were crowded with devotees early in the morning as many began the New Year by offering prayers.

The women, were seen clad in new traditional attire even at work places.

For Keralites, the month of ''Chingam'' symbolises a new ray of hope and it is also being celebrated as 'Karshaka Dinam' (Farmers' Day). Onam, considered as a harvest festival, falls on this month.

Chingam is also a season for sports, festivities and ritual celebrations.

This day also marks the beginning of new ventures, with several business establishments inaugurated across the state as Chingam is considered auspicious.

The Left Democratic Front Government marked this day launching the second edition of the People's Plan.

UNI