Though Thiruvananthapuram city will have no official celebrations on the eve of New Year due to the seven-day mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the city will greet the New Year with a bevy of programmes arranged by leading private players in the hospitality sector.
The 10-day Vasantholsavam and light festival organised by the Department of Tourism on the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds is the only official event.
As the clock ticks to midnight ringing in the New Year, dance, music, and midnight parties will spice up the night in the capital. Among the various programmes announced by different groups, the midnight music and dance extravaganza organised by the Lulu Group is likely to steal the show with its grandeur.
Registrations on
Online registrations are on for various cultural events organised by different hoteliers at Kovalam, Varkala, and Poovar, the major tourist attractions in south Kerala. The programmes include live music bands, gala dinners, mini fireworks, and so on.
The Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) cancelled the fireworks display, light show, and cultural programmes arranged at Kovalam due to the official mourning. Satheesh Miranda, secretary, DTPC, told The Hindu that though official programmes were cancelled across the State, the private programmes would be held as scheduled.
Tourist season
“The main tourist season is under way in the State with foreigners, chiefly from the U.K. and other countries, and domestic tourists making a beeline for major tourist destinations, including Kovalam, during the Christmas and New Year period. However, the number of foreign tourists is not up to expectations due to global uncertainties. We hope their number will see an uptick in January and February,” said Mr. Miranda.
Meanwhile, families have been visiting the Vasantholsavam venue in large numbers from different parts of the district. The New Year light show, ‘Illuminating Joy, Spreading Harmony,’ has been lighting up the city’s streets and heritage structures. The extensive display also features a curated flower show and flowers brought from outside Kerala.
Published – December 30, 2024 08:00 pm IST