Foreign tourists turned Kerala’s vibrant Onam festival into an unforgettable adventure, diving deep into the heart of this harvest celebration. As part of a special Cultural Exchange Programme run by the State Responsible Tourism Mission Society, visitors from France, Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan joined local villagers to experience Onam in its purest form.
Imagine crafting colorful flower carpets, savoring delicious traditional feasts, cheering at lively folk performances, and even catching the thrill of boat races—these travelers got a front-row seat to all the excitement. For many, this marked their first brush with an Indian cultural event, and the warm welcome from Kerala communities left them hooked.
State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas met the group in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday and called the event a fantastic way to build cultural bridges. “Onam stands for harmony and peace,” he shared, adding that the enchanted guests would head home as true brand ambassadors for Kerala Tourism, spreading the word about the state’s stunning landscapes and rich traditions.
The tourists couldn’t stop raving about their time in Kerala. They loved the charm of the countryside, the peaceful backwaters, and how local families made them feel right at home during the Onam festivities. For them, Kerala wasn’t just a travel spot—it’s a living story of people, heritage, and strong community bonds.
The day got even more special when winners of Kerala Tourism’s international online painting competition joined the fun. Their artwork highlighted how art and tourism team up to spark global exchanges. Tourism Director Sikha Surendran pointed out that the visitors didn’t just enjoy the celebrations; they also explored Kerala’s praised Responsible Tourism model and other eco-friendly initiatives.
RT Mission CEO Rupeshkumar stressed that programmes like this boost Kerala’s role as a top destination for community-driven tourism. As the group geared up for the grand Onam pageantry—the exciting closing ceremony of the week-long festival that kicked off Tuesday evening in Thiruvananthapuram—one thing shone through: Kerala’s harvest festival keeps breaking boundaries, creating shared memories that span continents.
