Markets in Kochi Thrive with Vishu Celebrations The city of Kochi is witnessing a vibrant surge of activity as the annual festival of Vishu approaches, with markets and households coming alive with preparations for the occasion. For over a decade, Resmi Balakrishnan’s family has upheld a cherished tradition that reflects the cultural significance of the festival. Each year, on the day preceding Vishu, the family meticulously cuts the yellow blossoms of the 30-year-old Kanikonna tree, also known as the golden shower tree, from their compound. These flowers are then carefully bundled and shared with neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers, symbolizing goodwill and community spirit. Mrs. Balakrishnan, who has been part of this ritual for the past 10 years, emphasized that the act is deeply personal and rooted in tradition rather than commercial intent. “I leave bunches of flowers on the sit-out for anyone to take. It feels like offering Vishukainettam, and we don’t want to monetise it,” she explained. The Kanikonna flowers, which bloom in a cascade of golden hues, are considered auspicious and are traditionally used to mark the beginning of the new year in Kerala. This practice underscores the deep connection between nature and cultural rituals in the region. As the festival’s energy intensifies, the markets in Kochi are experiencing a noticeable shift. Small cracker shops, which typically operate on a modest scale, are now bustling with activity as vendors stock up on festive items. The demand for idols of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Vishu celebrations, has surged, with artisans and traders setting up stalls across the city. These idols, often crafted with intricate details, are placed in homes and public spaces to welcome the new year.#kochi #vishu #resmi_balakrishnan #kanikonna_tree #vishu_kozhikangal
Ryan Williams, an Australian-born footballer of Indian origin, is set to make his debut for the Indian national team in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. The 31-year-old forward was included in the 23-player squad after FIFA approved his switch to represent India at the senior level. His inclusion follows the completion of necessary paperwork, which allowed him to join the team for the match. Williams had previously participated in the preparatory camp for the Bangladesh qualifier but was not selected due to pending administrative procedures. Born in Perth, Australia, in 1993, Williams began his professional career in England with Portsmouth FC in 2010. He made his senior debut for the club a year later against Middlesbrough FC and later played for Fulham FC and Barnsley FC. At the international level, he represented Australia in youth tournaments, including the AFC U-19 Championship in 2012 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013. His only senior appearance for Australia came in a 2019 friendly against South Korea, which was a non-competitive match. This allowed him to switch allegiance under FIFA rules, as he gave up his Australian passport last year to be eligible for India. Williams, whose mother is from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, will become the second foreign-born player of Indian origin to represent the country after Arata Izumi, who played for India between 2013 and 2014. Currently with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), he is set to join the Indian squad for the qualifier. India, already out of contention for qualification, aims to end their campaign on a positive note by combining experienced players with younger talents. The Indian team began their camp in Kochi on Tuesday, with 20 players and staff assembling.#india #kochi #bengaluru_fc #ryan_williams #afc_asian_cup_2027
The Indian National Congress party has finalized its list of candidates for contested assembly constituencies, with key decisions emerging from a marathon meeting held in Kochi. The party's high command, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge, resolved to avoid allowing MPs to contest in the upcoming elections, a stance that led to the resignation of K. Sudhakaran, a senior leader who had previously pushed for such a move. This decision was formalized during a critical meeting at Kharge's residence, which concluded at 2:15 PM. Notable candidates include T. T. Mohan in Kozhikode, Satish Kochu in Kondotty, and Shabari Nath in Nematth. Other selections include Abhin Varki in Aranmula, Sudhir Shah Palot in Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan in Neyyattinkara, Madhu in Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos in Ittikkurich, and Natesh in Ettumanoor. The second phase of the ticket list is set to be announced at 10 AM. The party also confirmed that five constituencies remain contested, with disputes ongoing in Udumalpet, Kottayam, and Chayamangalath. Meanwhile, the Congress's decision to exclude MPs from contesting has been met with resistance, particularly from Sudhakaran, whose efforts to push for their inclusion were thwarted. Party leaders, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph and opposition leader V. D. Satheesh, emphasized that the final decisions on contested seats were left to the high command. Satheesh also assured that the list would be finalized today, alleviating concerns for candidates who did not secure tickets. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the party's strategy for the upcoming elections, balancing internal dynamics with electoral considerations.#kochi #indian_national_congress #mallikarjun_kharge #kerala_pradesh_congress_committee #sudhakaran
Congress Denies Assembly Ticket to K. Sudhakaran, TO Mohanan to Contest from Kannur The Congress High Command has denied an Assembly election ticket to K. Sudhakaran, an MP from Kannur, and instead opted for TO Mohanan to contest from the constituency. The party’s decision to field only non-MPs for Assembly elections was reaffirmed, despite Sudhakaran’s recent protests against the move. The High Command emphasized that this approach aims to maintain focus on grassroots mobilization and prevent internal divisions, though it acknowledged that Sudhakaran’s dissent might have dampened worker enthusiasm. Mohammed Shiyas is expected to contest from Kochi, while Mallikarjun Kharge will finalize the candidate for Perumbavoor. Other confirmed candidates include Sudeep Suresh for Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan for Neyyattinkara, Shabari Nath for Nettathope, Abhin Varki for Aranmula, Madhu Puzhakulam for Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos for Ittekki, and Nattakam Suresh for Ettumanoor. The party’s second-phase candidate list for the Assembly elections was announced, with some constituencies still pending final decisions. Notably, K. Rajeshwaran is set to contest from Aranmula, while the selection for M. Thiru Ramesh’s constituency remains unresolved. The Congress is also considering candidates for the Mangaluru constituency, though the impact of this choice on voter sentiment remains unclear. The decision to exclude sitting MPs from the Assembly race reflects the party’s strategy to prioritize local leaders and address regional concerns. However, the move has sparked debates about balancing institutional continuity with fresh representation. As the election campaign gains momentum, the Congress will need to navigate these dynamics to consolidate its support base.#kochi #kannur #k_sudhakaran #congress_high_command #to_mohanan
Matsya Shakthi project aims to transform coastal minority communities Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying and minority affairs George Kurian inaugurated a training-cum-awareness programme under the Matsya Shakthi project in Kochi on Wednesday. The initiative, aimed at empowering coastal minority communities, focuses on skill development, leadership training, and fisheries-based livelihood technologies. Kurian highlighted the project’s role in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods for fisher communities. The programme is implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of India’s ministry of minority affairs. Kurian stated that the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building efforts for minority fisher communities in Thiruvananthapuram. During the inauguration, he presented certificates to participants who completed Phase I of the training. Under the project, 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day course to become fishery hatchery production workers. The training covers topics such as broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene, and biosecurity. Another 180 beneficiaries are being trained in cage culture fish farming, with a focus on sustainable mariculture practices. In addition, 420 women will receive exclusive leadership development training. The programme includes modules on communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, awareness of government schemes, and collective action. Kurian emphasized the importance of empowering women to emerge as entrepreneurs and community leaders.#thiruvananthapuram #matsya_shakthi_project #george_kurian #pradhan_mantri_vikas #kochi
