The 41st edition of Cochin Carnival began on December 8, 2024, at Fort Kochi's St. Francis Church by honouring fallen war heroes, marking the start of one of Kerala's liveliest year-end festivities, which is rich with traditions and camaraderie.
The programme started with a peace song sung by the church choir and included military tributes, a unity pledge, and more. Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar, Commanding Officer of INS Dronacharya Commodore Manav Sehgal, Fort Kochi Sub-Collector K. Meera IAS, and Commander of the Indian Coast Guard (Kerala and Mahe) N. Ravi laid wreaths at the war monument. In keeping with the community's ethos, officials from local clubs, NCC cadets, corporation councilors, Fr. Kurian Peter, the vicar of St. Francis Church, locals, and carnival club members also attended the event.
History of the Cochin Carnival
When the region was ruled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Cochin Carnival's history began. The custom of New Year celebrations, which commemorate the end of the year with lavish festivities, was brought to Fort Kochi by the Portuguese, which, over time, became a beloved custom among the locals, with Vasco da Gama Square, a historic promenade along the beach, becoming the focal point of the festivities.
(File) Cochin Carnival | Josekutty Panackal
The modern carnival began to take shape when the United Nations (UN) designated 1985 as the ‘International Youth Year’. Motivated by it, three youngsters—George Augustine Thundiparambil, Ananda Felix Scaria and Antony Anup Scaria—planned a beach festival with the theme ‘Adventure and Environment’. They drew inspiration from the Portuguese New Year customs, originally naming it Carnivale Cochin, which developed over time into the Cochin Carnival, a well-known festival that now draws thousands of tourists each year from all around the world.
Legacy and festivities
The carnival's legacy stems from its ability to unite different individuals from many different backgrounds, promoting a spirit of celebration and harmony. It is considered less of an occasion and more of an evidence of Fort Kochi's thriving culture. The burning of the Papanji, a tall effigy of an old man, representing the end of the old year, has long been the main event among the festivities that attracts sizeable crowds to the Parade Ground on December 31 every year.
What to expect in 2024
On December 15, 2024, MLA K.J. Maxi will ceremoniously hoist the national flag in Vasco da Gama Square, marking the official start of this year's festivities. A variety of events, including DJ parties, music festivals, and live performances by musicians like Nadirsha, Sooraj Santhosh, and Anju Joseph, will take place at the carnival starting from December 20. Robo-electric elephants will be introduced, combining modernity and tradition with a dash of innovation. The Cochin Corporation organises a number of sports and art competitions with cash awards and trophies up for grabs, as well as floats and masquerades. In order to make the event a success, more than 90 clubs and organisations are involved, demonstrating Kochi's strong sense of community.
The celebrations will come to a spectacular end on December 31, like every other year as mentioned earlier, with the customary burning of the Papanji, whose height has gone up to 80 feet in the past, which was the highest of all years, and has been reduced to 50 feet this year due to security concerns, at the Fort Kochi Parade Ground.
With its fusion of vivid customs such as those of the Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Malayali, Anglo-Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Kannada, creative additions, and a feeling of community, the Cochin Carnival 2024 promises to be an experience that everyone will remember. As the festivities progress and come to a climax, the carnival remains an ode to Fort Kochi's cultural heritage and its capacity to unite people in joyful celebration.
