The historic streets of Fort Kochi came alive with an infectious festive spirit as thousands of residents and tourists from across Kerala converged to celebrate the renowned Cochin Carnival, a mega year-end event heralding the arrival of 2024.
Massive Turnout and Ground Preparations
From the morning of Wednesday, a steady stream of people began pouring into the coastal town. The primary venues, the Parade Ground and the larger Veli Ground, were prepared for the major celebrations. Authorities conducted final security inspections before noon to ensure a smooth event. In a significant safety measure, the police instructed organizers to restrict the height of the traditional Pappanji effigies to be burnt at midnight to 50 feet.
"We arranged all facilities for providing drinking water, safety, and other necessities. The festive air has gripped Fort Kochi for days," said former mayor K J Sohan, adviser to the Cochin Carnival Society, which manages the Parade Ground events. He highlighted a notable initiative: For the first time, the Kochi corporation installed around a dozen biotoilets to cater to the large gathering.
Festivities Kick Off with Music and Crowds
As dusk fell, the Veli Ground, being the bigger venue, was already packed with thousands. "The ground was almost full by 7 pm. We ensured all amenities were in place for the public to enjoy," stated Benedict Fernandez, chairman of the Kochi metropolitan planning committee and an office-bearer for the Veli Ground celebrations.
The atmosphere electrified as DJ music started immediately after dusk, drawing even larger crowds to Veli Ground. The programs at Parade Ground also commenced with minimal delay, as noted by a local resident, Shaji. To manage the overwhelming influx, police restricted vehicular traffic into Fort Kochi by the evening. Meanwhile, spontaneous music bands performed by youngsters at various points added to the vibrant street vibe.
Midnight Ritual and Crowd Management
A key highlight of the carnival is the burning of the Pappanji effigy at the stroke of midnight to symbolize letting go of the old year's burdens. This year, organizers implemented a strategic plan to prevent sudden commotion. "Programmes will continue at Parade Ground even after burning Pappanji at 12 midnight. This is to ensure the crowd doesn't disperse all at once, helping to avoid chaos," explained Sohan. This thoughtful measure aimed at staggered dispersal underscored the focus on public safety amidst the grand revelry.
