Malappuram gears up for Onam at Kottakkunnu from Aug 26

What Happened

The district administration and the District Tourism Promotion Council will jointly organise Onam celebrations at the Kottakkunnu tourism park in Malappuram from August 26 to August 30. The inauguration is scheduled for August 26 at 6 p.m., with Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty leading the opening event. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer will preside, and several other state officials and a member of parliament are listed as attendees. The five-day program includes music, theatre, folk and traditional performances, with a scheduled lineup across specific dates and performances.

The opening day features the Kanaran Show performed by Harish Kanaran and Nirmal Palazhi, followed by a music programme by Fazila Banu and her troupe. On August 27, Kalamandalam Vivek will present Chakyarkoothu, followed by a live music show led by playback singer Anwar Sadath. August 28 plans include Oppana and Kolkali by the Edarikode troupe, performances by Nizhal folk band, and shows featuring Theyyam, Thira and Kali. Tholpavakoothu and a Sufi qawwali night are slated for August 29, and the celebrations conclude on August 30 with Thiruvathira by Sivaganga Valanchery and a Smrithigeetham music show led by playback singer Afsal.

Why It Matters

The district is scaling up security for the Onam season, deploying 400 additional police personnel to tourist spots, major towns, and other crowded areas. Authorities will enhance surveillance at destinations, public places, markets and towns to deter theft and antisocial activities. A 68-member shadow police team, comprising officers from all 34 police stations in the district, will monitor potential theft gangs. Plainclothes officers will monitor crowded areas such as bus stands, railway stations and shopping malls to deter crime and help patrols. The 400 personnel are tasked with traffic management, crowd control and security at high-attendance locations. Public safety information can be shared through the Locked House Information feature on the Kerala Police Pol-App, and residents are advised to call 112 in emergencies with accurate location details for prompt responses.

Key Facts

• Event: Onam celebrations at Kottakkunnu tourism park, Malappuram
• Dates: August 26–30, 2026
• Inauguration: August 26 at 6 p.m. by Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty
• Presiding: Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer
• Attendees listed: Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar, Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji, MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer
• Opening programme: Kanaran Show (Harish Kanaran, Nirmal Palazhi) and Fazila Banu troupe
• Subsequent programmes: Chakyarkoothu (Kalamandalam Vivek), Anwar Sadath live music (Aug 27); Oppana, Kolkali (Edarikode troupe), Nizhal band, Theyyam, Thira, Kali (Aug 28); Tholpavakoothu, Sufi qawwali (Aug 29); Thiruvathira (Sivaganga Valanchery), Smrithigeetham (Afsal) (Aug 30)
• Security measures: 400 additional police, 68-member shadow team, plainclothes monitoring
• Safety measures: Locked House Information via Pol-App; emergency number 112

What Happens Next

The schedule outlines ongoing Onam activities through August 30, with security operations in place for the period. No additional post-event steps are listed in the provided materials.