The Kerala Tourism Department has officially declared the winners of the 'Onam Tourism Week 2026', highlighting top performances from ISRO, the Forest Department, and various cultural troupes in a grand finale celebration.
- Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department and ISRO secured top honors in their respective categories.
- The cultural procession featured a diverse array of floats from state, central, and public sector institutions.
- Special recognition was given to traditional art forms including Kalari and Panchari Melam.
The vibrant spirit of Kerala's harvest festival reached its zenith as the Tourism Department announced the winners of the highly anticipated ‘Onam Tourism Week 2026’. The celebrations, which culminated in a spectacular cultural procession through the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, showcased the state's rich heritage, artistic prowess, and institutional creativity.
In a competitive display of artistry and storytelling, the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department emerged as the champion among state government departments for their impressive float. They were followed by the Excise Department, which secured the second position. The competition was equally fierce among central government entities, where the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) claimed the first prize, with Southern Railway following closely in second place.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that these competitions are not merely festive activities but serve as a critical tool for 'soft diplomacy' and internal branding for government institutions. By blending administrative identity with cultural heritage, organizations like ISRO and the Forest Department humanize their bureaucratic image and foster a deeper connection with the local populace during Kerala's most significant cultural window.
The public sector and local governance categories also saw spirited participation. The Livestock Development Board took the top spot in the public-sector category, while the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the National Ayurveda Mission shared the second prize. In the local self-government sector, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation outperformed the District Panchayat to secure the first prize.
"The integration of space-age technology themes by ISRO and ecological narratives by the Forest Department in traditional Onam festivities reflects the dual identity of modern Kerala—rooted in tradition yet aspiring for the stars."
Beyond the floats, the festival celebrated the living traditions of Kerala. In the Visual Art Forms category, the Agasthya Siddha Marma Kalari Sanghom won the first prize for Kalari, while Hussein Kollayil secured second place in Arabanamutt. Musical excellence was recognized as Vignesh (Panchari Melam) and Kaurava Kalasamiti (Shinkarimelam) took the top two spots respectively.
The city's skyline was transformed by elaborate illuminations. In the public sector, Keltron led the way, followed by Jalabhavan. The State Legislative Assembly complex stood out among state departments, while the private sector saw Kalyan Silks claiming the first prize for their brilliant lighting displays.
| Category | First Prize Winner | Second Prize Winner |
|---|---|---|
| State Dept (Floats) | Forest & Wildlife Dept | Excise Department |
| Central Govt | ISRO | Southern Railway |
| Public Sector | Livestock Development Board | KTDC / National Ayurveda Mission |
| Private Sector (Lights) | Kalyan Silks | Anna Bhavan Restaurant |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first prize for the central government institutions' float?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) secured the first prize in the central government category.
Which private entity won the illumination contest?
Kalyan Silks emerged as the first prize winner in the private sector illumination category.
