Kannur will host its district-level Onam week celebrations from August 24 to 30 at the Collectorate ground, with a diverse lineup of cultural, musical and entertainment programmes organised by the Tourism department and the Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council.

The celebrations will be formally inaugurated by Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph at 6:30 p.m. on August 24. MLA T.O. Mohanan will preside over the inaugural function, which will be attended by K. Sudhakaran, MP, Mayor P. Indira and other elected representatives. District Collector P. Vishnunaraj will welcome the gathering.

Announcing the programme at a press conference, Mr. Mohanan said the cultural programmes would begin at 5 p.m. every day, with major performances accompanied by local artists. The opening day will feature a Thiruvathirakali competition at 3.30 p.m., followed by a tribal art performance organised by Kerala Mahila Samakhya and a musical fusion night by Aattam Kalasamiti and Thekkinkadu Band.

The programmes on August 25 will include a classical dance performance by Parvathy Nair and a musical show led by Kannur Shareef. On August 26, Bharat Bhavan will present folk performances from Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, followed by the Rasathanthra comedy and band mega show.

A ghazal evening by Ziaul Haq and a musical programme by Jessy Gift are scheduled for August 27. On August 28, Rahul R. Lakshmanan and Akhil A.L., both known from a popular Malayalam singing reality show, will present a musical show, followed by a dance night led by Lakshmi Keerthana and her troupe and a musical band performance by Indulekha Warrier.

The August 29 schedule includes the Mohiniyattam presentation ‘Kadankott Makkam’, a fashion show, the folk mega show ‘Njangal Nattarivinte Makkal’ and a water drum DJ night. The celebrations will conclude on August 30 with a Chakyarkoothu performance by Kalamandalam Abhijosh, followed by the closing ceremony and a musical night by Alphons Joseph.

As part of the celebrations, pookkalam competitions have been organised for government and public sector offices in the district, while painting and mehendi competitions will be held for college and school students.

A special Mazhayutsavam will be held at Oorppally Vayal on August 30. The event will feature mud football, tug-of-war and a folk arts festival led by folklore award winner Ramashi Pattuvam. An Onam feast will also be arranged for inmates of the Government Old Age Home in Chal, Azhikode.