Thiruvananthapuram, 30 August (H.S.): The Tourism Department’s week-long Onam celebrations will conclude on Sunday with a colourful procession featuring floats, installations and traditional art forms representing Kerala’s heritage, culture and development.

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan will flag off the procession at 5 pm from Lok Bhavan. It will travel through Vellayambalam, Museum, Palayam and Statue before concluding at East Fort.

Around 69 floats and installations highlighting Kerala’s progress, traditions, cultural identity and socially relevant themes will be featured. Nearly 99 performances, including folk arts and other indigenous art forms, will add colour to the event.

The inaugural pavilion has been set up near Manaveeyam Veedhi, while VVIP pavilions will be located near the State Public Library and University College. A judges’ point has been arranged near the Tourism Directorate. A separate pavilion will be available for foreign tourists to view the procession.

The Onam Week celebrations began on August 24, with cultural programmes staged at 35 venues across the capital. The programmes attracted large crowds and showcased classical, contemporary and folk traditions from across Kerala.

Meanwhile, the city police have announced traffic restrictions and parking arrangements in connection with the concluding procession. Visitors have been advised to park only at designated locations and display the driver’s mobile number prominently inside their vehicles.

Those travelling to the railway station or airport have been urged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles should avoid the procession route and use alternative roads.

Traffic restrictions will come into force from 2 pm along the stretch from Kowdiar to East Fort and further towards Vettimurichakotta, Thekkenada, Vazhappally, Mithranandapuram and Enchakkal. Restrictions will also apply on major roads and connecting streets in the city.

For information regarding traffic arrangements and alternative routes, the public can contact the police through 0471-2558731 or 9497930055.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman