Key events in Kerala today: Onam fairs and Ayyankali Jayanthi on Aug 28

From colourful Onam fairs and gatherings to commemorations of social reformer Ayyankali, a range of cultural, social and literary events are lined up across the state on Thursday. Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Thrissur will host fairs, book releases, conferences and special celebrations that bring together communities and highlight Kerala’s festive spirit.

Thiruvananthapuram

• Kovalam Animation Centre: Inauguration of the Central Government’s Matsya Shakti project. Union Minister George Kurian – 2.30 pm.
• YMCA Hall: Release of English books authored by Prof Dr Jancy James. Attended by K Jayakumar, Dr T P Sreenivasan – 4.00 pm.
• Jagathi Junction: Ayyankali Jayanthi celebrations by CMP District Council – 8.00 am.
• Jawahar Nagar, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce Hall: Reception for S Rajeev, elected member of the World Aquatics Technical Committee, organised by the Kerala Aquatic Association – 4.30 pm.
• Press Club: Ayyankali Jayanthi celebrations of the All Travancore Sri Padmanabha Vilasam Hindu Cheramar Mahajana Sangham – 9.00 am.
• YMCA Auditorium: Alumni Onam gathering of Thiruvalla Mar Thoma College. Minister G R Anil – 10.00 am.
• Vazhuthacaud Sreemoolam Club: Organ Foundation of Kerala family gathering – 10.00 am.
• Vailoppilly Samskrithi Bhavan: Art exhibition – 10.00 am.
• Khadi Gramaudyog Bhavan Courtyard: Onam Khadi Fair – 10.00 am.
• Palayam LMS Fair Ground: State handloom textile exhibition and sales fair – 10.00 am.
• YMCA Hall: Rang Mahal textile sales fair – 10.00 am.
• Nandavanam Prof N Krishna Pillai Foundation Hall: Soul Light Sargatheeram cultural conference by Soul Light International Organisation – honouring eminent artistes. Chair: Sudarshan Karthikapparambil. Inauguration: Jacob Abraham – 12.00 pm.

Ernakulam

• St Teresa’s College: Release of the book Book of Memories prepared by Kerala Council of Retired College Principals – Justice S Siri Jagan, Dr Cyriac Thomas – 10.00 am.
• Marine Drive Ground: Handicrafts exhibition and sales fair organised by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs – 10.00 am.
• TDM Hall: Onam exhibition and sales fair of Ernakulam Karayogam – 10.30 am.

Kozhikode

• Police Club: Nilavu Charitable Trust Onam clothing fair – 9.00 am.
• Bank Road, Holiday City Centre Building: Cooperative Onam Market – 10.00 am.
• BSNL Customer Service Centre Building: Kairali Special Onam Sale – 10.00 am.
• District Khadi and Village Industries Office Courtyard: Onam Khadi Fair – 10.00 am.
• Mithaitheruvu Khadi Gramaudyog Emporium: Onam Khadi Fair – 10.00 am.
• EMS Stadium Ground: Onam Handloom Fair – 10.00 am.
• Corporation Stadium, in front of Sreekanteswara Temple: Supplyco District Onam Fair – 10.00 am.
• Alakapuri: Onam celebrations and district convention of Private Aided School Managers’ Association – 10.00 am.
• Alakapuri: General body of Water Authority Licensed Plumbers’ Association and award distribution for SSLC and Plus Two achievers – 11.30 am.
• Manorama Junction, OSC Complex, Mahima Cotton: Launch of Mahima Cotton Premier Shirts. Inauguration by Fr P J Eldose, Vicar, St George Orthodox Cathedral – 11.30 am.
• Puthiyapalam: Janakeeya Samithi Onam celebrations and Onam feast – 12.00 pm.
• Town Hall: Ishal Ratna Award and Mappila song fest by Kerala State Mappila Song Lovers’ Association. Inauguration by MLA Ahmed Devarkovil – 5.30 pm.

Thrissur

• Kerala Sahitya Akademi Smrithi Mandapam: Ayyankali Jayanthi celebrations led by the National SC-ST Community Association, floral tributes – 10.30 am.
• Chinmaya Mission Neeranjali Hall: Sakshama District Conference – 4.30 pm. Rights protection rally of persons with disabilities starting from North Stand – 3.30 pm.
• Ollur, Cheerachi Corporation Hall: Onam celebrations of Kerala Senior Citizens’ Forum Ollur Unit – 9.30 am.