Beaches, tourist spots all set to welcome New Year

Kochi: Celebrations to welcome New Year in the district will not be confined to Fort Kochi, as festivities are being organized by local authorities, organisations and institutions in different parts of the district. Though open to the public, at some places programmes would wind up by 11pm due to restrictions imposed by authorities. Beaches in Puthuvype and Cherai have already been decorated with colourful lights. Cherai beach tourism mela, which began on December 22, will conclude with fireworks at midnight of December 31. “There will be a musical fest and cultural programmes at night,” said Pallipuram panchayat president Ramani Ajayan. At Puthuvype beach visitors can enjoy horse rides and camel rides. Folk song and its visual adaptation, ‘Karinkali’, will be held in the evening. The fest will conclude on Tuesday. At Chendamangalam, a three-day long Gothuruth fest is being held. It started on Saturday by felicitating Gothuruth village library, an important milestone in the village. On Sunday, a slew of programmes were held at Gothuruth St Sebastian’s School ground. Chavittunatakam, classical dance, skit, percussion ensemble and other programme will be held till 10.30pm on December 31. “At 7pm on Sunday, Sree Dharmasasthavu chavittunatakam with the participation of 50 female artists will be held. Since there are time restrictions, the programme of the day will conclude before 11pm,” said Siju Jose, secretary of the organising committee.At North Paravur, a two-day long ‘Manavotsavam’ is being held at Ambedkar Park. “On Sunday programmes will start with Thiruvathira performance at 6pm. At midnight, we will welcome the New Year with fireworks,” said an organizing committee member. In Malayattoor, a carnival is being held around the waterbody Nakshathra Thatakam. The celebrations here started on Christmas Day and will conclude with New Year celebrations. Burning of Pappanji will be held on December 31 midnight, to welcome 2024. DTPC officials said that various programmes would be held at many parts by youth clubs and organisations. Durbar Hall Ground will host a musical programme on Sunday night.Meanwhile, Kochi city is illuminated with colourful lights to welcome New Year. On Saturday evening, ‘Illuminating Joy, Spreading Harmony’, a visual feast of multi-coloured lamps decking up Marine Drive walkway, was inaugurated. The walkway will remain lit up till January 5. Many parks in the corporation limits including Palluruthy, Veli Ground, Fort Kochi Parade Ground and Thamarakulam park have also been illuminated with festive lamps.With people already in festive mood, there was severe traffic congestion on all roads on Saturday, which is set to get worse on Sunday.Field hospital at Fort Kochi Aster Medcity, the official medical partner for the Cochin Carnival, has converted the historic British Jail near Parade Ground into a fully equipped field hospital with an emergency team. This is being done to deal with any medical emergency during the New Year celebrations.