Single-use plastic items, including plastic bags, plates, cups, and spoons, will not be permitted at the carnival venue at Fort Kochi. Separate dustbins for biodegradable and recyclable waste are also being set up.
Welcome to Cochin Carnival
Built on the centuries-old cultural tradition of celebrating the New year in this Historic town, the Cochin Carnival acquired a distinct identity during the UN International year of Youth-thirty eight years ago as a participative, secular festival. It has become a platform for all sections of people of this Multi-Ethnic town to come together annually in the commonly shared celebration of welcoming the New year.
Over ninety clubs come together annually under the Chairmanship of the Sub-Collector (RDO), Fort Cochin to form the CARNIVAL COMMITTEE and shape the year’s festival.
Annually the program starts off on the second Sunday of December with the “Ceremony of Peace and Solidarity” at the ‘War Memorial’ in Fort Cochin, With the Indian Navy, the CO, INS. Dronacharya, Hon. Mayor, the Sub Collector, Ex-Servicemen, the Church choir, School Children, etc. in attendance. Hoisting of the Carnival Flag at the Vasco Square on the third Sunday by the Hon. Kochi MLA is followed by those participating clubs and organizations by their respective office bearers.
This is followed by days filled with competitions like Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Beach Motor Bike Racing, Swimming, Kayaking, Kochuvanchi rowing, Angling, Cross country race, Cycling, Thekkootttam Kali, Kite flying, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Carroms, Catapult, Painting-Pencil, Drawing, Mehandi, Kolam, Rangoli, Quiz, Fun-games, etc., and evenings filled with traditional music, dances and performing arts.
The whole length of K B Jacob road, the arterial carnival road is decorated and a thousand stars illuminate the sides, giving the town a festival look. Each of these events is sponsored and conducted by the participating organisations The burning of “Pappa” on the beach on the 31st at midnight amid traditional music and fireworks, symbolizes the passing of a year and the birth of another.
The curtain rolls down on New Year’s Day with the Carnival Rally, the most participative and colorful cultural pageantry in our State. Folk arts, masquerades, merrymakers, music, floats, bands, martial arts, etc., pass through illuminated Chinese fishing nets, decorated trees, festooned streets, and cheering crowds. The best participants get the coveted “Cochin Mayor’s Trophy”.
Folk arts and tradition come center stage during the celebrations. This gives the visitors and the tourists a glimpse of our varied culture. From its inception, the Carnival has been patronized by the Kochi Municipal Corporation and supported by the State Tourism Department, India Tourism & The District Tourism Promotion Council. Cochin Carnival is the largest annual tourist draw in Kerala.
News & Blogs
The news about recent activities for needed peoples claimed.
To Gandhiji standing at the beach at Fort Cochin, Cochin was the “epitome of adventure”. Gandhiji had captured the essence of the spirit of Cochin, reflected in the eddies and currents of her five hundred year old maritime history.
With immense zest and zeal, thousands flock to Fort Kochi on New Year’s Eve to welcome the New Year by burning the massive statue of an old man named, Pappanji. The burning of this 35-feet huge Pappanji symbolises the welcoming of hope and harmony.
River Road, Fort Cochin, Kerala – 682001
Mon – Sun: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
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Cochin Carnival
The Carnival has been patronized by the Kochi Municipal Corporation and supported by the Ernakulam Dist. Tourism Promotion Council and the State Tourism Department.