A boat pageant organised by the Nilgiris Summer Festival Committee on the Ooty Lake on Thursday turned out to be a major draw. A large number of tourists thronged the venue to witness the event and the participants used the occasion to showcase their achievements.
Though only six tableaux were on display, the event was organised in a commendable manner. It provided an excellent photo opportunity for hundreds of tourists who were either boating or enjoying the proceedings in bright sunshine.
The painstakingly decorated tableau of the Forest Department, which reflected the unique place occupied by the Nilgiris district in the field of conservation and its rich and hoary tribal culture, walked away with the first prize.
The second prize went to the tableau of the Mahalir Thittam which featured a dance by Badaga women dressed in their traditional gear in the presence of colourfully attired Toda women. It also displayed some of the products manufactured by self-help groups.
The tableau of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) which highlighted developmental schemes lifted the third prize.
Among the other participants were the Udhagamandalam and Coonoor municipalities and the Department of Tourism.
The Nilgiris Collector Archana Patnaik distributed prizes.
The Director of Horticulture B.Chandramohan was also present.
