The city residents were treated to a wide variety of musical and dance performances as part of the Onam Week celebrations on Chathayam day. At Nishagandhi Auditorium, the main venue, Abhradita Banerjee was the star of the day with her Hindustani performance.
At Central Stadium, it was music of an entirely different kind which brought in the festival crowd, as Malayalam rock band Thaikkudam Bridge belted out their hits. Later, singers Kallara Gopan and Rajalekshmy presented a concert of songs written by Poovachal Khader.
At Poojappuram Maithanam, Malayalam film music of the 1990s was the flavour of the day, with singer Biju Narayanan and his group leading the show.
Singers from the M.G. Radhakrishnan Foundation performed Onam songs on Shanghumughom beach, followed by group song by Thycaud Sangeetha Bharathi and Changampuzha poetry by Radhamani.
For women, children
The Tourism Department has set aside the Shanghumughom venue exclusively for events presented by women and children.
On Thursday, young magician Ananthu will present a magic show here.
Ganamelas were held at the smaller venues, at Peroorkada Bappuji Library Hall, Sree Varaham, Veli Tourism village, Neyyattinkara municipal ground and Sree Chithira Thirunal Park in the city.
At the folk art venue in Kanakakkunnu, the highlight of the day was the Pakkanar Thullal by Sumesh Narayanan and group.
The Moinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy presented Duff muttu and Arabana muttu.
Outside the city too, celebrations are happening at various venues.
The annual Neyyar mela is on at Neyyattinkara, drawing in thousands of visitors daily. The mela is planned as a mix of cultural events as well as a trade fair. The mela will continue till September 12.
The Onam Week celebrations will conclude with a colourful procession on September 9. Governor P. Sathasivam will flag off the procession.
