India, July 3 -- The week-long Onam celebrations, organised by the Kerala
Tourism, will commence on August 24 with a grand state-level inaugural ceremony in the state
capital, Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri PC Vishnunadh said here on Thursday.
Festival Overview
- Dates: August 24-30, 2026
- Inauguration: Grand state-level ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, led by Tourism and Culture Minister Shri P.C. Vishnunadh.
- Chief Patron: Chief Minister Shri V.D. Satheesan.
- Theme: Celebrating Kerala's classical, folk, ethnic, and popular art forms across multiple venues statewide.
Cultural Highlights
- Main Venue: Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds (daily performances 6-7 PM).
- Featured Art Forms: Mudiyattam, Tholpavakoothu, Padayani, Theyyam, and other traditional performances.
- Festival Zone: Area between Kowdiar and Manacaud will be designated as the celebration corridor.
Tourism & Hospitality
- Collaboration with major hotels to distribute English brochures and program details for foreign tourists.
- Food Safety Commissionerate will deploy special squads to ensure food quality during the festival.
Artist Participation
- Applications open for artists and art institutions until July 12, 2026 (Sunday, 5 PM).
- Address:
Convener, Onam Tourism Week Celebrations-2026
Tourism Directorate, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram-695033
Phone: 0471-2560426
Website: www.keralatourism.org
Committee & Officials
- Patrons include Speaker Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Opposition Leader Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, and several ministers and MPs.
- Tourism Minister serves as Committee Chairman; senior IAS officers and city officials are coordinating logistics.
This year's Onam Tourism Week aims to spotlight Kerala's cultural richness while enhancing its appeal to international visitors seeking authentic experiences.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.