Governor M.O.H. Farook will flag off this year's Onam pageantry at the Vellayambalam junction here at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
The pageantry will bring together elements of the State's culture and history. It is aimed at reminding the people of the State of its rich and varied traditions, the organisers said.
The pageantry, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, will showcase 122 mobile display platforms (floats). Traditional art ensembles and martial art displays will accompany the platforms.
“The Onam pageantry will reflect the cultural identity of the State. We have included art forms different other South Indian States as well,” Minister for Tourism A.P. Anil Kumar said here.
This year's State-level Onam celebrations got to a start with a function which honoured cultural icons of the State, he said. Valluvanadan art forms, including ‘nadan pattu,' ‘poothan-thira,' ‘kali-dharikan,' ‘vattamudi' and ‘theyyam' would be present at the pageantry.
This apart, there will be Velakali, Kombupattu, Thalam, Arjuna Nirtham, Thappu attum, Pulikali, Valiya kalavela, Dhaf muttu, and Pavakali.
Percussion items like Chenda melam, Chingarimelam, Ilangitharamelam, and Panjavadhyam is expected to add vigour to the event.
Over 25 artistes will move about as Parusuraman, Mahabali, and Vamanan.
Representative art forms from all States will be included in the next year's Onam pageantry.
Yakshaganam and Dholigunitha from Karnataka will be this year's attractions. At least 50 artistes will perform each art form.
The Tamil Nadu team will perform Karakatam, Thappatam, Neyandimelam, and Poykal kuthira.
