A Host Of Entertaintments In Waiting

Monday, November 10, 2008

Volvo Ocean Race Stop over Event is going to be a cultural feast. Traditional and contemporary art forms are going to be performed during the 10 day stop over at Willingdon Island. Mini Pooram, Fireworks, Chendamelam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are to be staged from Dec. 3rd to Dec. 10th. 

Mini Pooram with Kudamattam and Fireworks

The Race Teams will be officially welcomed to Kochi at 7pm on 3rd December 2008. Cochin Stopover Organizing committee and Kerala Tourism will jointly host the ceremony. Keraleeyam - an entertainment show performed by 45 traditional artists will be the main attraction. Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Kalarippayattu, Thiruvathirakali etc. will be staged. Recreation of Thrissur pooram with elephants, kudamattam, aerial fireworks are another attraction during the stop over days.

Cultural mingling

Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar and Balabhaskar will perform chenda-violin fusion.Stephan Devassi, Krishnakumar, Sayanora and Binni Krishnakumar will perform fushion music. Arabanamuttu, kolkali and Margamkali are also being planned.

Performance by students

Cultural performance by Students, Quiz programme, Naval Band are other added attractions. Intercollegiate fashion show on Kerala clothing evolution and Western Music Competition are also being organized.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations will sponsor Kathakali, Kalarippayattu and Panchavadyam. Jayapradha Menon’s Mohiniyattam  performance is also being planned.

Water way

Public Entry

Kerala’s biggest Food Carnival, Exhibition by Volvo, Para gliding show, Acro Air Show, Trade fair etc. are also being organized. General Public will be allowed free entry in to the Race Village and there will be no entry fee for general public. However, there will be strict security regulations and all visitors will be subjected to security search. Visitors will not be allowed to carry packets, bags, briefcases etc.

Schools and educational institutions wanting to bring their students for conducted tours to the Race Village may please contact the Port officers at phone No.94477 59018 or email us at - visit@cochinoceanrace.com for facilitation.

Meantime, Cape Town, First Stop Over Port of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008, is filled with exciting young eyes. Hundreds of students visit the Race village everyday to have a look at the extreme people.

The questions to sailors ranged across topics like safety – What do you do if the boat sinks? What about sharks? – to sponsorship and team organisation – How do you pay for all of this? Are there any women on the team?

The opportunity for the scouts to come down to the race village and meet the sailors and see the boats was arranged through an alliance between Volvo and the scouting movement worldwide.

Similar events will take place in many of the remaining stopovers including Cochin. There will be trade fare and exhibition in the Race Village. Various entertainment programs are also being planned.