By Pinkerala News Desk | Sep 20, 2022

PA Muhammad Riaz
 Tourism Minister

With this year's Onam celebration, Malayalees have made the two-year gap created by Covid irrelevant. This time Onam has gone down in history by offering unforgettable festival experiences. Kerala celebrated the gatherings and frolics that had been stalled for two years. It can be said that this year's celebrations have changed with 'Revenge Onaghosha'. You could see such enthusiasm and participation all over the country. This Onam celebration will remain indelible in the mind due to the people's participation and diversity in the celebrations. Onam celebration has become a step towards a new season for Kerala tourism.
 Onam is a message about a world where all people become one without the boundaries of caste, religion, color and class. The Malayali took this message to heart. Onam stood as a symbol of Malayali unity and unity. By providing all the conditions to celebrate Onam, the government was able to touch the hearts of every family.
 The plans for the Onam celebration had already started in the month of June. The decision of the tourism department was officially announced in the assembly session. The activities of Onam celebrations started at the end of July. This time the Onagoshka was approached with the aim of having a variety of programs. It was implemented all over Kerala. By spreading the celebrations to more venues, all sections of the people could be included.
 The most attractive Diwalan of Onam celebration was very impressive this time. The sight of the capital city lit up with lights was awe-inspiring. To spread Dipalankaram to more places in the city and start earlier than usual. It is estimated that lakhs of people came to see the electrical decorations. Families came out late at night only for this purpose. So the nights of the city also became festive. This time there were Dipalankaras in other cities and major tourist destinations. The Southern Zonal Council meeting held in Kovalam was turned into an occasion for the promotion of Onam. A special lamp was prepared at Kovalam.
 Undoubtedly, Onam has become the biggest trade fair in Kerala. From street vendors to big businessmen, it has benefited. Those who blame the government for spending money on Onam should not lose sight of this fact. We must not forget that when the market moves, the financial system moves more strongly.

 While selecting the programs for the Onam celebrations, special care was taken to prepare the stage for the local artistes. Traditional and folk art forms were also increasingly included in Onam processions. With the increase in the number of venues , the situation has been prepared to provide opportunities to more artists.

 What next for tourism?

 This year's tourism season has started with great acceptance with Onam celebration. We have reached the biggest gain in terms of domestic tourists. Advancement should be possible with the arrival of foreign tourists. Kerala Tourism is organizing a comprehensive plan to achieve that goal. For this, it is necessary to participate in tourism fairs in foreign countries. A big campaign is being done in the countries where more tourists come to Kerala.

 Time magazine selected Kerala as one of the fifty must-see places in the world and highlighted the caravan tourism implemented by this government. Aim to use this opportunity effectively. It has also been decided to organize activities to bring Topam Onam to the world's attention. Special campaign programs will be formed for that. The government is moving ahead with the confidence that Onam and Kerala tourism can make an active presence on the world tourism map.