Fort Kochi
Speak about carnivals and our minds will be filled with many colourful images. Many carnivals across the world are known to attract widespread public interest and attention. Ernakulam, a city with a lot of celebrations, boast of one mega gala that tops everything else – the grand and amazing Cochin Carnival. It’s a special festival that the people of Ernakulam eagerly await every year. Held during the final weeks of December annually in Fort Kochi, the Carnival attracts people from all parts of the world.
The carnival intends to celebrate every New Year in a unique way. The carnival is a venue that celebrates various art forms including music, dance and traditional arts. There are many other entertainments including sporting events such as Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Beach Bike Race, Swimming, Cycling, Badminton and so on. The celebration peaks on New Year’s Eve as a splendid procession would pass through the streets of Fort Kochi.
There will be floats, folk arts, music and Bands in this procession. The best participants are awarded the ‘Cochin Mayor’s Trophy’. The gala comes to a stunning end on the Fort Kochi beach when the New Year is born, with the burning of the huge Pappanji (a giant effigy of an old man that symbolizes old ideas and perspectives).
