Thiruvananthapuram: The state tourism department is planning to organize this year’s Onam pageantry, which would mark the culmination of week-long celebration in the state capital, in a different manner to draw international attention.The procession will have participation of a minimum of 1,000 foreign tourists , said tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran. He was addressing the officials from various departments at a meeting convened here on Friday to discuss the conduct of Onam celebrations to be held from August 24 to 30.“The government is thinking of organizing the cultural procession on the concluding day in a different way from the usual ones organized in the past. We want the event to get international attention, and for that, a significant participation of foreign tourists will be ensured,” he said.The tourism department has already initiated measures to ensure such a participation of foreign tourists, which could enhance the visitors’ experience during their holidaying in the state this festival season, the minister said. Adopting a new tourism policy, the department is already focusing on experiential tourism, which promotes active involvement of tourists in local events and activities.“All departments and institutions taking part in the Onam pageantry should ensure that they are presenting floats with different themes to give the procession an entirely new look,” the minister said. The participants in the pageantry should also strictly follow the green protocol, the minister added.Besides, the week-long celebration will have noted artists performing on all days, he said.Last year, the government had spent around Rs 5 crore to celebrate Onam across the state with much pomp and gaiety through cultural events, food festivals and Onam pageantry. There was an added importance to folk arts and a separate venue for the performance by women and children. Besides giving equal importance to budding artists, the celebrations gave an opportunity for artists from the transgender community to perform.

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