The fourth edition of Gothuruthu Festival on New Year Day will focus on the art and cultural life of the Gothuruthu village with programmes ranging from an exhibition of Marian paintings to an ethnic food festival.
Organisers of the programme, which is being supported by the Union and State governments, said in a statement here that the festivities would get underway in the morning and end with programmes like a Karate show, cultural evening, a commercial exhibition and a flower show.
Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs K. V. Thomas and V. D. Satheesan, MLA, will be among the chief guests at the inauguration of the festivities, said the statement issued by the organisers.
The programme will start at 4 p. m. on December 31 with the Gothuruthu Fest flag being hosted by Joy Srampikkal, patron of the programme. Mr. Thomas will address the inaugural public meeting that will follow the hoisting of the flag. Minister for public works V. K. Ebrahim Kunju will be the chief guest the inaugural. Bishop Joseph Karikkassery will deliver the benedictory address.
Those above 80 years in the Gothuruthu village will be honoured at the inaugural function.
A cultural festival, being organised with the help of Kerala Folklore Academy, will be a key feature of the programmes. Songs on local knowledge by Thavam Gramavedi, Kannur, will be another highlight of the day’s celebrations.
There would be 15 food stalls that will serve the local cuisines prepared by villagers from Gothuruthu, the organisers said.
In view of immense potential for tourism development, the villagers have organised a boat ride through the Periyar as part of the celebrations. The boat ride on Periyar will last about 30 minutes, the organisers added.
