Kerala plans showcasing Onam festivities to international tourists

As part of its push to showcase Onam as a major festival on the global cultural tourism map, the Responsible Tourism Mission Society, Kerala, has launched an international Cultural Exchange Programme. The initiative seeks to position Kerala as a premier destination for cultural tourism while highlighting Onam as one of India’s most iconic festivals.

A 12-member international delegation, including Responsible Tourism leaders, tour operators and academics from countries like the UK, France, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Korea has begun their visit by touring Responsible Tourism (RT) spots in Kottayam’s scenic backwaters, such as Aymanam, Kumarakom and Maravanthuruthu.

“The participants are experiencing Kerala’s traditional hospitality at homestays, where local residents have prepared pookkalam (floral arrangements) and the customary Onam feast (Onasadya). They also visited the Thiruvonam Maatam at Maatam Parambu, a tradition that traces its origins back to the barter era and also joined the Onam celebrations with local clubs,” said K. Rupesh Kumar, CEO of the Responsible Tourism Mission Society.

During the visit to villages, the delegation purchased indigenous handicrafts made from coconut shells and clay, manufactured by the local RT units. At the destinations, they were also welcomed with traditional percussion ensembles and the participants also joined the local community for the Onam feast. Adding to their immersive cultural experience, the delegation also took part in traditional competitions organised by Responsible Tourism units.

The group is also slated to witness the Onam pageantry that marks the finale of the Onam Week Celebrations in the State capital on September 9.

The programme is being organised under the Kerala Tourism department, following directions from Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. According to the Minister, the visiting group is being taken around various units of RT, a globally acclaimed tourism model, to get a ringside view of multiple initiatives implemented in the State, such as women-friendly and gender-inclusive tourism, village life experiences and curated schemes like STREET, PEPPER and model RT Villages.

The tour, during which the team will visit Responsible Tourism sites across Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Thrissur, is scheduled to conclude on September 11.