|
THE
GRAND KERALA FESTIVAL
- a month long festival of fun for the family
 Festival
time in God's own country
Kerala is a land of festivals. There are festivals all
year round. There is Makara Vilakku, Thrisoor Pooram, Uttram,
Sivarathri, Kodiyettu, Ashtam, Vishu, Arattupuzha, Pratishtadinam,
Oachirakali, Onam and many, many more. It is a way of life.
But the Grand Kerala Festival is the festival of festivals.
Its a month-long celebration of Kerala, beginning on December
22 and ending on January 20. And it is a once-in-a-lifetime
chance to experience Kerala, the way it is.
 Kerala,
literally means 'the land of coconut trees'. It has
been rated by National Geographic in 1999 as one of the fifty
'must see' destinations of a lifetime. With its serene backwaters,
beaches and hill stations, its art forms, ayurvedic therapies
and culinary delights, it is without doubt, one of the most
popular destinations for people from all over the world.
 The
festival aims at promoting not only its unique culture and
traditions but also at expanding Kerala's commercial sector.
The organizers have left no stone unturned to make this festival
a grand success. Events such as the indi-pop nite, bollywood
nite, the film festival, the food festival, and various fairs
are all intented to target different groups and make the entire
event memorable for the local as well as tourists.
On the entertainment front, there are a whole string of activities
for kids and adults alike. For the adventurous, there are
backwater rides and bungee jumping. Safety is of paramount
importance and all equipment concerned are tested to ensure
the highest safety standards. Then there is mehndi, tatoo
and face painting for the slightly laid back. If you're a
movie buff, there is a film festival and a children's movie
theatre as well. There are also consumer exhibitions, handicraft
fairs, flower shows, food festivals, night shopping, cultural
street shows and tour trips of Ernakulam and Cochin.
 The
daily events schedule features the art and culture of Kerala.
The schedule runs thus: Mohiniyattom, Kuchipudi, Bharata Natyam,
Odyssey, Karakattom, Kalaripayattu, Kol kali, String instruments,
Mimics, Drama, Wind Instruments, Chakyar koothu, Katha Prasangam,
Oppana, Margam kali, Percussion performances, Tribal dances,
Magic Show, Mono act performances, Cinematic dances, Ballet,
Chendamelam (43 piece), Christmas Carol Contest and Western
Band performances.
 A
unique feature of the GKF is the 'Stay Home' option. Yes,
you can live in Kerala as a Keralite. Your life then will
include wearing the traditional Kerala dress, living with
a typical Keralite family, attending different marriage functions
and tasting ethnic cuisine dished out by local chefs, hop
into a rice boat or a houseboat for a backwater cruise.. You
will even participate in a rejuvenation therapy in an ayurvedic
resort, travel in a snake boat and get exposed to a broad
spectrum of classical and folk art forms of Kerala. The experience
is unforgettable.
The Grand Kerala Festival has been designed and managed by
Zest Connect, the event management division of Hindustan Thompson
Associates, in association with Impressario Event Marketing
Company Pvt Ltd.
http://www.grandkeralafestival.com
|
