As part of its efforts to revive tourism in the state, the Kerala Government has decided to organise a month-long ‘Beypore International Water Fest’ in Kozhikode district coming December. A meeting convened by Tourism Minister P A Muhammed Riyas engaged in the preliminary discussions in this regard.
“The Tourism Department will involve various other departments, local bodies and the district administration of Kozhikode to hold the event,” said Riyas after the meeting.
“Preparations to stage the fest in December itself will be completed as soon as possible. A draft plan was presented at the meeting. A detailed master plan will be ready by the end of September and an organising committee will be formed by the first week of October,” added the minister.
“This is a new beginning. All possibilities of water sports will be explored at the fest to attract global attention,” Riyas explained.
Global events planned
Diverse water sports and entertainment events will be arranged along a 10-km stretch of water from the Beypore Pulimutt tourism centre for the fest. The activities will be mainly based on the Chaliyar River.
Programmes planned include not only traditional boat races of Kerala but also internationally-recognized events such as kayaking, canoeing, water polo, parasailing, speed boat race, water skiing, powerboat racing, yacht racing, wooden log racing and timber rafting. Olympic aquatic events too may be included, said Riyas.
Making the event more attractive for the public, floating musical programmes, light shows and processions by fishing folk too will be organised.
Among those who took part in the meeting included Kozhikode Collector Dr N Tej Lohit Reddy, Sub Collector Chelsa Siny, secretary of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Beena, other government officials and local body representatives. The draft plan was presented by executive engineer in the Harbour Engineering Department, T Jayadeep.
