Malappuram set for Onam celebrations from August 26

Malappuram is gearing up for a five-day Onam festival from August 26 to 30 at the Kottakkunnu tourism park. The district administration and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) are jointly organizing the celebrations. Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will inaugurate the festivities at 6 p.m. on August 26, followed by Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer. Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar, Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji, and E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, will also attend the event.

Throughout the five-day celebration, the program will feature various performances, including music, theatre, folk, and traditional shows. The opening day will showcase the Kanaran Show by Harish Kanaran and Nirmal Palazhi, along with a music programme by Fazila Banu and her troupe. On August 27, Kalamandalam Vivek will present Chakyarkoothu, and on August 28, the Edarikode troupe will perform Oppana and Kolkali, followed by folk songs by Nizhal folk band and Theyyam, Thira, and Kali performances. Tholpavakoothu and a Sufi qawwali night will be held on August 29.

The festivities will conclude on August 30 with Sivaganga Valanchery's Thiruvathira and the Smrithigeetham music show led by playback singer Afsal. To ensure the safety of the festival, the district police have increased security by deploying 400 additional personnel at tourist spots, major towns, and crowded areas. A 68-member shadow police team will monitor suspected theft gangs, while plainclothes officers will patrol crowded areas to deter theft and antisocial activities.

People can register their locked house details through the 'Locked House Information' facility on the Kerala Police Pol-App to help police plan patrols and monitor vacant houses.