'Keralotsavam 2008' begins on Thursday.

MUSCAT: The much-awaited annual spectacle, organised by the Kerala Wing of Indian Social Club, unfolds once again at the sprawling Marah Land complex, near Qurum Natural Park on May 8 and 9.

Unveiling the details of Keralotsavam 2008, Ratheeshan, convener of the Kerala Wing, said the cultural festival, seventh year in succession, will be different from the past editions.

The highlight will be the folk artistes Karinthalakootam, who stole many-a-heart last year.

Professional artistes will present the musical night, Mapilapattu, and art forms of different states in India. The added attraction of the festival is the stalls offering tastes of India and exhibiting traditional items. The festival will also honour M.A. Yousuf Ali, chairman of EMKE Group, who received the Padma Shri Award. Though the focus will continue to be on the traditional art forms, the ISC Kerala Wing is continuing with its efforts to bring alive nearly extinct art forms that have never been staged in recent times.

Acents[euro]A"The artistes being flown in from Kerala are very popular in their own respective fields and they will showcase the art forms that have never been staged recently," Ratheeshan said.

Ratheeshan said the opening day would witness the prize-distribution ceremony for all the winners in the Youth Festival, which will be concluding soon.

Last year, around 50,000 floating audience visited the venue each day and the organisers of the festival expect more crowd.

Acents[euro]A"Our intention is to create awareness of Indian art forms in the minds of all nationalities living in Oman, so we expect some more audience, better than last year," said Mohsin, cultural wing co-ordinator of the Kerala Wing.

The festival has also drawn immense media attention, both from the Gulf and India, and in the past prominent television channels had telecast the events in more than three capsules.

The Kerala Wing has always channelled a sizeable part of the funds generated for humanitarian services and also in promotion of socio-cultural activities.

The event is being sponsored by Jet Airways, Holy Faith Builders, New India Assurance Co. Ltd, Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Oman-UAE Exchange, Lulu, Al Anan Printing Press and the support sponsors are Standard Chartered Bank, Khimji Ramdas, Marah Land, Al Jadeed Exchange, UNCC, Al Rajhi International, Al Khalili Group, Al Azaiba United, Shanfari Readymix & Crushers, Mars Shopping Centre, Royal Jasmine, Al Amin Ramadhan Trading, Suzuki, Al Ahad Al Muzher Trading, Interior Crushers, Purushottam Kanji, Pentascribe International, International Heavy Equipment Co. Muscat Bakery, Abdul Fatah Noor Trading etc.

Times of Oman is the official media sponsor

[c] Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC 2008

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