Season-2 of Beypore International Water Fest Begins on Saturday

KOZHIKODE:
The second edition of the five-day Beypore International Water Fest is all set to get underway in the ancient port town of Beypore on Saturday (December 24), combining Kerala’s rich maritime and cultural traditions with a world class water sport event ahead of Christmas and New Year.

Billed as India’s biggest water festival, Beypore Water Fest will create a festive milieu on Marina Beach at Beypore and on the banks of Chaliyar river with a combination of water-based competitions, international kite fest, cultural programmes, food festival and flea market offering a rare holiday experience to both local people and visitors, giving a fillip to tourism in the region.

The inaugural edition of Beypore Water Fest last year marked Kerala prominently on the map of adventure and water sports competitions, resulting in greater participation this time round.

Organized by Kerala Tourism in association with District Administration and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the event is part of the government’s efforts to tap the tourism potential of the ancient port town on the Malabar coast.

Going by its unique history and natural charm, Beypore has a vast untapped potential and the water fest has helped showcase the area before the world, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said.

The second season of the fest has been designed in such a way that will attract domestic as well as foreign tourists to the Malabar region and prompt them to explore its scenic beauty, eclectic history and lifestyle, the Minister said.

Riyas said the tourism carnival, recreational water sports, visit to Navy ship INS Kalpeni, surfing demo and paramotoring are some of the attractions of the event.

Naval band concert, fusion music by Sivamani and team, music band by playback singer Vidhu Prathap and team and Project Malabaricus team led by playback singer Sithara will create musical vibes in the evenings, he added.

Apart from adventure water competitions like seat open top kayaking, white water kayaking and bamboo rafting, there will be competitions for local community in country boat sailing, casting net and angling. Besides, competitions will be held in various categories of sailing regatta.

The mega food festival, planned in collaboration with various institutions and associations focusing on the traditional cuisine and delicacies of Kozhikode, will be a sumptuous treat for gourmets and foodies.

Other key features of the event include adventure activities by Coast Guard, Military and Naval contingents, kite fest, boat parade and cultural programmes on all five days.