Beypore International Water Fest Concludes Amid High Excitement

KOZHIKODE:
The Kerala government will transform annual Beypore International Water Fest into a keenly-awaited feature for globe-trotters, Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas said today, as the state’s biggest event of its kind concluded amid massive public participation steeped in celebration.

As electric lights lit up the scenic stretch of seashore after sunset, the Minister hailed the cheering gathering for “taking over” the two-day festival organized by the State Tourism Department, Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council and the Adventure Tourism Promotion Society.

“This unity is Kerala’s pride that sends out a positive message across the world,” he said. “None can disrupt it.”

Greeting the “lakhs of people” at the festival, the Minister expressed special gratitude to the police and organizers for conducting the Beypore Water Fest “without any complaints”.

Riyas distributed prizes for various competitions held in connection with the event. The presence of film stars Basil Joseph and Soubin Shahir added to the excitement of the audience.

A spectacular drone show was a highlight of the closing day, which capped up with a musical performance led by multifaceted Vineeth Sreenivasan. The songs and rhythms drew impulsive response from people of all ages.

People thronged to see the ships of the Navy and the Coast Guard. The Navy’s fast-attack INS Kabra and the Coast Guard’s high-speed ICGS Anagh were opened to the public. The visitors on the ships included 55 differently-abled students from schools in neighbouring Ramanattukara and Feroke. Mayor Beena Philip welcomed the students with their parents, and accompanied them on the tour of the ships.

A bait competition, too, drew warm response, as the winner was decided based on the weight of the fish caught. Local resident Suhail came first with a fish weighing 970 grams. The contest drew more than twice the number of people vis-à-vis the previous edition, organisers said.

The closing ceremony, chaired by the Mayor, was attended by District Collector Snehil Kumar, Tourism Department Additional Director General P Vishnu Raj, MLAs Ahmed Devarkovil and K.M. Sachindev and City Police Commissioner T. Narayanan besides members of local self-government bodies and high-ranking officials of the Tourism Department.