All schools in Thiruvananthapuram to remain closed tomorrow; half-day holiday for govt offices 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A half-day holiday has been announced for government offices in Thiruvananthapuram city as part of the conclusion of Onam celebrations. A holiday has been declared for all schools tomorrow coming under the limits of the corporation. The district collector informed that the holiday is applicable only to government, semi-government institutions and educational institutions.

The Tourism Department has decided to make the procession marking the conclusion of the Onam week-long celebration grand. The cultural procession, which will start from Vellayambalam and end at East Fort, will feature cultural art forms performed by more than 1,000 artists and will be accompanied by around 60 floats.

The procession will begin at 4 pm at Manaveeyam Veedhi with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar flagging off. The procession will begin with the sound of conch shells by 51 artists, announcing the arrival of the procession, and the musical instrument, the Kombu, will be handed over to the chief artist by Minister P A Muhammad Riyas, marking the beginning of the procession's rhythmic mela.

There will be around 60 floats from various departments depicting the development of the government. 91 audiovisual arts and the Indian Army band will fill the procession. Rural art forms from various states will also come together in the procession with the theme 'Unity in Diversity'.

Minister V Sivankutty said in a press conference that the floats have been prepared in compliance with the green protocol. The art forms will be presented in front of the VVIP pavilion set up in front of the Public Library to watch the procession, in front of the VIP pavilion in front of University College and on a special stage near the Museum Gate.