On November 1, the Keraleeyam fest was inaugurated at Kerala’s state capital with much pomp and fanfare. November 1 marks the 67th anniversary of the formation of the state of Kerala (Kerala Piravi) and Keraleeyam has been initiated in that honour.
Presided by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the event also saw legendary film stars Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Kamal Haasan share the stage with him. The event was attended by the Cabinet Ministers and business magnates like Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai. Ambassadors of UAE, South Korea, Norway and Cuba were also present at the launch.
Addressing the gathering, the Kerala CM said, “Keraleeyam is an opportunity for all those people who are proud to be Keralites; to share the happiness and announce to the world. The week-long event, which will be kicked off on Kerala Piravi Day. Keraleeyam will be an annual affair, marking the achievements of that particular year.”
None of the Opposition leaders attended the inaugural event. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan slammed the Kerala government and told media, “The Kerala government is spending crores on a programme when it is knee-deep in debt. The government is engaged in wasteful expenditure when welfare pension and mid-day meal dues are still pending.”
Keraleeyam 2023 will celebrate Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and take place from November 1 to November 7 in Thiruvananthapuram. The mega event will reportedly showcase the ‘Best of Kerala’ and have seminars, activities, exhibitions, fairs, festivals and shows, in around 40 venues across the city. Entry is free to everyone and the venues will be open from 10 am to 10 pm every day.
Due to the big celebration where crowds are expected, there has been significant security deployed across the city. It is reported that more than 1000 police officers, 250 women police officers and 400 special police officers have been deployed for this mega fest.
Moreover, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has arranged 20 electric Swift buses which will connect the venues of Keraleeyan from Kavadiyar to East Fort. These buses will provide free travel for visitors.