Thiruvananthapuram: The capital has slipped into the Onam groove, with offices and campuses coming alive with flower carpets, traditional games, cultural programmes and festive feasts ahead of the State-level Onam Week festivities from August 24.

Most schools and colleges held their Onam celebrations on Friday, the last working day before the vacation. At the corporation office, MLA V Muraleedharan inaugurated the celebrations, which featured a range of cultural competitions for employees.

The festive buzz is set to intensify with the ‘Onam Pathaka Yatra’, which began at Kovalam and is travelling across the district ahead of the Onam Week celebrations. MLA M Vincent inaugurated the yatra at Kovalam Palace Junction.

Kovalam will host two mega shows and a series of cultural programmes as part of the celebrations, including a musical night led by Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma. Events are also planned at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Vellar and the ‘Kireedam Bridge’, part of the film tourism initiative.

A seafood festival showcasing local seafood delicacies is also planned in Kovalam, M Vincent said.

MLA M R Baiju, chairman of the publicity committee, presided over the function. The committee has organised a three-day tour across the district to draw people to the Onam celebrations, which will continue until August 30. The proclamation rally will cover all Assembly constituencies before concluding at Kanakakkunnu on Saturday.

The procession passed through Aryanad Junction, Nedumangad Kacheri Junction, Kallara bus stand, Attingal municipal hall and Varkala Cliff on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Minister P C Vishnunath inaugurated the trade fair at Kanakakkunnu. More than 100 stalls have been set up for the Onam Trade Fair, which will run until August 30.