Kerala concludes 'Onam week' with fanfare

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (UNI) The week-long Onam celebrations, conducted by Kerala Tourism Department concluded here today with tableax showcasing the gems of Keralas' culture, tradition and art forms.

Thousands of people,including foreigners thronged road-sides to witness the closing ceremony and pageantry of Onam week celebrations.

Kerala Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan inaugurated the closing ceremony at Vellayamblam and the procession ended at East Fort, giving a bunch of sweet memories and colourful views to the people.

The rally depicted Kerala's life and its tradition in the tableaux, presented by various government and private organisations.

Besides this, the states' traditional art-forms like Theyyam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Kalaripayattu were also lined up in the procession, giving scintillating views to the people.

Girls in traditional ''mundum neriyathum'', colourful umbrellas, caparisoned elephants , tradition royal warriors, pulikkali, drums and other art forms added colour to the procession.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and his cabinet colleagues and other prominent personalities were also present to witness the concluding ceremony of the Onam-week celebrations.

The Onam celebrations was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on September 10 and various cultural programmes were performed by film and television stars at 14 venues all these days.

The city wore a festive look with illuminations on trees and buildings.

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