Malabar Jalolsavam kicked off at Atholi in Kozhikode with a colourful cultural procession on Saturday.
The procession that started near the Government Higher Secondary School at Atholi passed through Atholi town and culminated at the venue of the boat race near the Kuniyilkadavu bridge. A competition on coconut leaf braiding was conducted as part of the festival on Saturday.
However, the main events of the festival such as the boat race and swimming competitions will be held on Sunday. There will be separate races for country boats rowed by 11, seven, and five persons, besides duo races. Teams from different parts of north Kerala are taking part in the competition. There will be prizes for all participants, while the winners get cash prizes, memento and certificates.
There will also be competitions in tug-of-war, chakiriyadi (tempering coconut husk) and coir making, besides cultural programmes such as Thiruvathirakkali, and pookkalam competition, folk songs, Margamkali, Oppana and other festivities.
The Jalolsavam is being organised by Changathikkottam, the alumni association of the Government Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, with the help of the District Tourism Promotion Council.
