The annual tourism week celebrations, being organised by the Kerala state Tourism department as part of the Onam festival, got off to an exciting start here this evening with a performance by a group of 101 percussion artistes.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp.
Noted actors Sreedevi and Prithviraj were the chief guests at the inaugural function presided over by Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar. Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor, Sreedevi's husband, also attended the function.
Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor and state Health Minister V S Sivakumar spoke.
The percussion performance led by Peruvannan Kuttan Marar and Kalamandalam Sivadas enthralled the audience at the central stadium here.
The inaugural function was followed by a mega show presented by Jaihind TV channel.
Various dance, music and stage events as part of the tourism week would be held in different venues in the city including the main venue central stadium, Nisagandhi auditorium, Sooryakanthi ground, Gandhi Park and VJT hall.
The festivities would come to a close on September 20. Events are also being organised in all district headquarters as part of the tourism week.
