Mon Sep 01 18:31:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Lavanyam 2025 Kicks Off Onam Celebrations in Ernakulam**

**KOCHI, September 2, 2025** – The annual Lavanyam Onam celebrations, organized by the Ernakulam district administration and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), officially began today with an inauguration ceremony at the Ernakulam Durbar Hall open auditorium.

Industries Minister P. Rajeeve presided over the inaugural event, which commenced at 5 p.m. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas also addressed the gathering, alongside Mayor M. Anilkumar and Member of Parliament Hibi Eden who were present as the chief guests.

The festivities launched with a vibrant display of traditional Kerala arts, including pancharimelam and sopana sangeetham performed by artists from the Ernakulam Siva temple. A folk concert by singer Athul Narukara also entertained the audience.

Throughout the celebration, residents and visitors can enjoy a diverse range of performances staged across Ernakulam district, featuring classical dance, sufi music, kathaprasangam, ghazal, and chakyarkoothu. Traditional art forms from various Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, will be showcased at Cherai beach. Kalidasa Kalakendra, Kollam, is scheduled to perform a play at Kumbalangi on September 9th.

“We are thrilled to bring the spirit of Onam to life with Lavanyam 2025,” said a spokesperson for the DTPC. “These free events are designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and promote tourism in our district.”

The Lavanyam Onam celebrations continue, with performances scheduled at locations including Kalamassery, Fort Kochi, Veli Ground, Kumbalangi, Vasco D’Gama Square, Areekkal waterfalls, Vazhakulam, Cherai beach, Panampilly Nagar, Thevara, Vyloppilly Park, Bhoothathankettu and Piravom. Entry to all performances is free to the public.

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