KOCHI:
The Queen of the Arabian Sea effectively wore a necklace of lamps, brightening hopes over a prosperous 2024, as the city welcomed visitors to a light show that will continue to deck up the Marine Drive stretch for a week amid New Year celebrations.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, while inaugurating the December 30-January 5 event named ‘Illuminating Joy, Spreading Harmony’, said Kochi always occupied a “special place” for visitors to Kerala. “Among domestic tourists to our state, Ernakulam district stands on top. Its cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty are among the reasons,” Riyas noted at the evening ceremony chaired by legislator T.J. Vinod.
The Minister performed the switch-on ceremony, lighting up the venue amid instrumental music that added to the festivity. The speakers on the dais shared sweets to loud cheers from the gathering at the tree-lined venue.
Noting that ‘food streets’ merited a stronger presence in Kerala’s tourism industry, the Minister assured “all support” from the government on pertinent proposals. “Also, bridges in our state have the potential to promote tourism. We are working on them as well,” he noted at the function that had Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar as the chief guest.
The visual feast of lamps, which has decked up the scenic Marine Drive stretch and its vicinity, is the first of its kind in Ernakulam district. Conceived with a view to celebrate the arrival of 2024, the event promotes the spirit of hope and joy for the visitors, who can walk along the waterfront pathway.
Vinod MLA, in his presidential address, recalled how Kerala Tourism’s Champions Boat League race has promoted Marine Drive in this city in recent times as a venue for the water festival. Hibi Eden, MP, highlighted the fame Kochi and Kerala have gained as tourist destinations in post-Covid times as well.
Mayor Anilkumar expressed pride about Kochi having become the first city after Thiruvananthapuram to be endowed with a light festival by the state government.
District Collector N.S.K. Umesh proposed thanks. Top officials of the District Tourism Promotion Council and councillors of Kochi Corporation were present on the occasion.
The seven-day event, which is the first of its kind in Ernakulam district, has been conceived with a view to celebrate life as one more year passes by and 2024 arrives. Visitors, with friends and family, can walk along the seaside pathway, taking in the spirit of hope and joy.
