Uthrada Pachil tomorrow; Onam week celebrations begin today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Uthradam falling tomorrow, preparations for Thiruvonam will enter their final phase as people are expected to head to markets to buy everything from new clothes to ingredients for the Onam feast. Today is the last working day before the Onam holidays begin tomorrow.

The state-level Onam Tourism Week celebrations will also begin today, on the Pooradam day. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the celebrations at 5.30 pm at the Nishagandhi Auditorium at Kanakakkunnu.

Tourism, Culture and Film Minister P.C. Vishnunadh will preside over the inaugural ceremony, while actor Kunchacko Boban will be the chief guest.
Ministers K. Muraleedharan and C.P. John, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Mayor V.V. Rajesh and MP Shashi Tharoor, among others, will attend the event.

The cultural programmes will begin with a dance performance by actor Shobana. The Onam Tourism Week celebrations will continue until August 30, with more than 340 programmes being held at venues across the capital.