Kozhikode, Kerala launches a week‑long Onam festival featuring a dance by Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and a comedy show by Hareesh Kanaran and Nirmal Palazhi. The celebrations span over 30 events across the district.

  • Official inauguration of Onam festivities in Kozhikode
  • Performance by Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and comedy by Hareesh Kanaran‑Nirmal Palazhi
  • More than 30 cultural and water‑sports events district‑wide

Opening Ceremony

Kerala’s Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty inaugurated the district‑level week‑long Onam celebrations at Freedom Square on Kozhikode beach. The ceremony was attended by MP M.K. Raghavan and several MLAs. The opening act featured the popular Thaikkudam Bridge band, setting an energetic tone for the week.

Flagship Cultural Events

On August 25, acclaimed actress Lakshmi Gopalaswamy will present a captivating dance performance, followed by a comedy show starring Hareesh Kanaran and Nirmal Palazhi. The next day, singer Naresh Iyer and the group Dhwanitharang Kochi will entertain audiences with a musical evening.

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Additional programs include theatre productions at the Town Hall (Aug 25‑29), Sufi dance and concerts at Bhatt Road Beach (Aug 25‑29), folk arts at Mananchira (Aug 25‑27), classical dance and music at Tali (Aug 25‑27), and ghazals, Kolkali, and women‑led musical concerts at Kuttichira (Aug 25‑27).

Water‑sport enthusiasts can enjoy a Water Fest at Korapuzha on August 25, events at Akalappuzha on August 26, Kappad on August 27, and a kayaking fest at Ulloor Kadavu on August 29. The entire celebration is funded by a ₹40‑lakh grant from the Tourism Department, supplemented by local business and organisational sponsorships.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Kozhikode Onam week not only boosts local tourism revenue but also reinforces communal harmony by showcasing diverse art forms that transcend caste and religious boundaries.

"This Onam festival serves as a powerful catalyst for cultural unity and economic upliftment," says cultural analyst Dr. Ramesh Patel.
Did You Know?: The water‑sports lineup in Kozhikode’s Onam celebrations is the first of its scale since 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the headline attractions of the Onam celebrations?

A: Lakshmi Gopalaswamy’s dance, the comedy duo Hareesh Kanaran‑Nirmal Palazhi, and a series of music‑dance shows across various venues.

Q2: Are tickets required for any of the events?

A: Most public events are free, but certain premium shows may require prior registration or a modest entry fee.