Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's week-long Onam Tourism Week 2026 concluded on Sunday with a spectacular cultural procession through the capital city, bringing together the state's traditional arts, cultural heritage and festive spirit in a colourful finale.

Organised by the Kerala Tourism Department, the celebrations were held from August 24 to 30. They featured a wide range of cultural programmes, traditional art performances, food events, exhibitions and community-based experiences across Thiruvananthapuram.

Vice-President flags off grand Onam procession

The concluding cultural procession was flagged off by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan from near Lok Bhavan at 5 pm on August 30. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan and several ministers and public representatives attended the event.

The procession travelled through the heart of Thiruvananthapuram before concluding at East Fort. Large crowds gathered along the route to watch the colourful spectacle, which brought together Kerala's traditional performing arts alongside cultural presentations from other parts of India.

69 floats and 99 traditional art forms

One of the major attractions of the closing procession was the participation of 69 floats representing government departments and institutions, along with 99 traditional and folk art forms.

The floats highlighted themes including Kerala's heritage and culture, development, women's empowerment, healthcare and scientific progress. Traditional performances including Theyyam, Kalaripayattu, Pulikali, Garudan Parava, Chendamelam and Thiruvathira added colour and energy to the procession.

Cultural groups from several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat, also participated, giving the finale a wider national character.

Music and cultural performances mark the finale

The final evening continued beyond the procession with cultural and musical performances at venues across Thiruvananthapuram.

At Nishagandhi, Harish Sivaramakrishnan-led Agam presented a major musical performance, attracting thousands of spectators. The programme blended classical and rock music and brought the week-long celebrations to a lively conclusion.

The closing day also featured traditional performances including Poothanum Thirayum, along with instrumental fusion, music shows and other cultural programmes at different venues in the city.

Onam promoted as a global tourism experience

This year's Onam Tourism Week was also part of Kerala Tourism's broader effort to present Onam as an international cultural experience. The state encouraged visitors, including international tourists, to participate in traditional activities such as preparing pookalams, enjoying Onasadya and experiencing Kerala's performing arts.

The focus on participation and authentic cultural experiences reflects Kerala Tourism's growing emphasis on experiential tourism, where visitors engage with local traditions and communities rather than limiting their trips to conventional sightseeing.

A colourful finale to Kerala's festive tourism season

The successful conclusion of Onam Tourism Week 2026 once again demonstrated the potential of Kerala's festivals as major tourism attractions. From traditional arts and cuisine to music, cultural performances and large public celebrations, the week offered visitors a broad introduction to the cultural character of Kerala.

For destinations such as Munnar, the state's emphasis on cultural and experiential tourism presents opportunities to combine the hill station's natural attractions with local traditions, cuisine, plantation experiences and community-based tourism.

With the Onam celebrations now concluded, Kerala moves into the next phase of its tourism season, carrying forward the visibility generated by one of the state's most important annual cultural festivals.