For decades, the grand finale of the Cochin Carnival at Fort Kochi—the burning of the giant Pappanji effigy—stood as the district's singular, major New Year attraction. This year, however, the revelry is undergoing a significant transformation, spreading its festive spirit far and wide across Ernakulam district. The tradition of ushering in the New Year with fire is set to be a decentralised spectacle, with around half-a-dozen huge effigies and numerous smaller statues poised to go up in flames at multiple locations.
A Multitude of Flames: Carnival Spreads Its Wings
While the official Cochin Carnival committee will continue its iconic ceremony at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi, a similar large-scale event has been sanctioned at the Veli Ground within the same historic area, organised by a local charity club. This marks a notable shift from the centralised celebrations of the past.
The district is already dotted with towering Pappanji statues. Significant effigies have been erected in Kakkanad, Pallikkara, Malayattoor, and Palluruthy. The organisers of the Malayattoor Carnival have outdone themselves by constructing a colossal 60-foot tall Pappanji, surpassing the height of the traditional effigy in Fort Kochi. Not to be outdone, Thrikkakara boasts a 45-foot high structure, while the Pappanji at Kacheripady in Palluruthy features a unique depiction of the figure riding a reindeer-drawn sledge.
Beyond the Burn: Diverse Celebrations for All
The festivities extend far beyond the symbolic burning. The Malayattoor Carnival, orchestrated by the Malayattoor Janakiya Vikasana Samithi and the local panchayat, promises a dazzling array of attractions. Its prime highlight is the lighting of 10,025 stars around the scenic Manappat Chira, a 110-acre water body at the foothills. The event also features a full-fledged amusement park, a dedicated food court, and a schedule of cultural programmes.
Meanwhile, Cherai is set to host a vibrant beach fest, offering a coastal alternative for revellers. For those seeking quieter or more spiritual reflections, various religious entities are organising midnight retreats. City residents also have the offbeat option of celebrating on the water, with tourist boats and small cruises offering special midnight rides to welcome the New Year at sea.
Community Spirit and Safe Revelry
The decentralised model is fuelled by intense community participation. Ashwin Soman, secretary of the Yuva Club in Manjummal, was busy on Tuesday setting up a neighbourhood effigy in Madapatt. "We used bamboo and hay to make our small Pappanji," said Ashwin. "On New Year's Eve, families and neighbours will gather around 7pm. We will adjust the festivities, turning off music after 10pm as per norms, and instead organise games and activities before burning the fully natural-material effigy at midnight."
Authorities have taken note of the expected crowds. Precautions, including crowd control through segmentation, have been implemented at major venues like the Parade Ground and Veli Ground, especially considering the heavy rush that begins even before New Year's Eve. This year's celebrations also mark a return to full-scale events after last year's scaled-back observance. In 2023, the Cochin Carnival committee had to cancel all its programmes following national mourning for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, making the lone burning at Veli Ground the only major event.
This New Year, Kochi and its surrounding regions are thus embracing a new, more distributed chapter in its festive history, ensuring the light of Pappanji reaches more homes and hearts than ever before.
