Kannur district Onam celebrations set for Aug 24–30 at Collectorate ground

What Happened

The district of Kannur will stage a week-long district-level Onam celebration from August 24 to 30 at the Collectorate ground. The Tourism department and the Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council are organising a program lineup that combines cultural, musical, and entertainment acts. The event's formal inauguration is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on August 24, led by Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, with MLA T.O. Mohanan presiding. Attendees will include K. Sudhakaran, MP, the Mayor, and other elected representatives. District Collector P. Vishnunaraj is slated to welcome the gathering. Programs are set to begin daily at 5 p.m., featuring major performances alongside local artists. The opening day includes a Thiruvathirakali competition at 3:30 p.m., a tribal art performance by Kerala Mahila Samakhya, and a musical fusion night by Aattam Kalasamiti and Thekkinkadu Band.

Schedule highlights include: Aug 25 — a classical dance by Parvathy Nair and a Kannur Shareef-led musical show; Aug 26 — folk performances from multiple states presented by Bharat Bhavan, followed by Rasathanthra comedy and a band mega show; Aug 27 — a ghazal evening by Ziaul Haq and a musical program by Jessy Gift; Aug 28 — performances by Rahul R. Lakshmanan and Akhil A.L. with Lakshmi Keerthana leading a dance night and Indulekha Warrier in a musical band; Aug 29 — Mohiniyattam piece “Kadankott Makkam,” a fashion show, a folk mega show, and a water drum DJ night; Aug 30 — Chakyarkoothu by Kalamandalam Abhijosh, followed by a closing ceremony and a musical night by Alphons Joseph. The event also features pookkalam competitions for government and public-sector offices, painting and mehendi contests for students, and a Mazhayutsavam at Oorppally Vayal on Aug 30 with mud football, tug-of-war, and a folklore-led festival by Ramashi Pattuvam. An Onam feast is planned for inmates of the Government Old Age Home in Chal, Azhikode.

Why It Matters

The Kannur district-level Onam week consolidates cultural programming into a single festive period, leveraging state and local institutions to showcase regional arts and communal activities. The lineup integrates classical, folk, and contemporary performances, reflecting a broad spectrum of contemporary Kerala arts and regional talent. The event also includes activities aimed at schools and public offices, indicating an emphasis on community participation and public engagement during a major cultural festival.